FARMINGTON, Ark. (CNN) – An Arkansas Marine who lost both legs in Afghanistan is getting a new home.
Sgt. Marshall Kennedy has undergone 35 surgeries since he was injured in 2011.
Now Kennedy is getting a new home and the framing is almost complete.
“When I first got injured, you never expect people like this,” Kennedy says.
Homes for Our Troops is a non-profit organization that builds houses for wounded veterans. Kennedy, his wife and two boys admired the progress builders have made.
“It’s a great feeling, especially for this, just to make it better, for us to have this very nice house and that’s the thing too, they’re gonna make sure it’s going to be a well-built home and it’s going to stand the test of time,” Kennedy says.
Kennedy’s life changed June 13, 2011 in Afghanistan, when he stepped on an IED, or Improvised Explosive Device. His legs were amputated. He suffered lacerations on his left arm and shoulder, as well as internal injuries.
“There are plenty of Marines and soldiers who have it a lot worse than I have it too. So, I mean, I’m still blessed to have two out of four limbs, maybe one isn’t that great but I still have a knee and I still have both arms,” Kennedy says.
Kennedy’s wife, Chelsie says this home will make a big difference in their lives.
“It’s a really tight squeeze into their bedroom, so I have to get up, put the boys to bed and stuff like that. So he’ll be able to do more with the boys and just, if he can’t be in his legs, it’s no big deal because he can get around everywhere,” Chelsie says.
The Kennedy’s have been welcomed by many of their new neighbors.
“He blessed me with being alive, and watch my boys grow up and be with my beautiful wife and plus now we get to have this awesome home, so that’s all I ask for,” Kennedy says.
The house is expected to be finished by mid-year.
