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Soldier Wounded In Iraq Gets Brand New Home PARKER, Colo. -- Matt and Tracy Keil are in a new home, thanks to the kindness of strangers. Fifteen months ago, the Keils returned to Colorado to make a new life after Matt nearly died in Iraq. His injuries left him a quadriplegic. The couple thanked everyone involved for all their support on Saturday. The Keils spent many months walking around their property, trying to imagine a house on the wind-swept land, but they never imagined how it turned out. They never imagined a color guard raising the American flag. They never imagined people saluting the flag, and Matt, for his service. They never dreamed that an organization like Homes for our Troops would donate a house that would give Matt independence in a wheelchair. "We have our independence because of them. We have to make sure we return the favor," John Gonsalves with Homes for our Troops said. "Not about a paycheck, not about recognition, it was about doing the right thing." Sixty companies donated supplies to build the Keil home and 400 people donated their time. Since everyone was so generous, it wasn't a bit surprising that when it came time for him to speak, Matt had to take a deep breath. "I rode through my house now and I see a place where I'm going to raise a family and have a place to live for the rest of my life," Matt said. "Your finger prints are throughout our entire home now and it couldn't be done without you. So thank you very much. You'll always be part of our family and we love you." When it was time to finally go inside the house, Matt used his left hand to swipe a card key and open the door. Inside the house, he will be able to use a computer to adjust lights, temperature, doors and even the elevator. "You know I've lived in nothing but barracks and abandoned buildings overseas, so to finally grow roots and have a home is the best high in my life," Matt said. Homes for our Troops has now completed 33 homes for deserving veterans.
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