Second homecoming for local soldier

Jan 27, 2009 07:40 PM

SUN PRAIRIE (WKOW) — A nonprofit hopes to give a local wounded veteran a new start by giving him a new home.

Homes for Our Troops presented SSG Chuck Isaacson his new Sun Prairie ranch Tuesday afternoon. Isaacson was paralyzed in a helicopter crash in Afgahnistan almost two years ago. His Sun Prairie house is fully handicapped accessible with features like a roll-in shower and cabinets that allow him to roll his wheelchair right up to.

"It's been a long time coming. We've kind of just watched the process going. We'd swing buy every now and then just to see how things were coming and it's great to just finally be here," reflected Isaacson.

This is the 36th house Homes for Our Troops has built. The group says it plans to keep building new homes as long as there's a need.

"As long as these guys are coming home banged up and beat up, we're going to be there for them," explained Larry Gill, the group's veterans' liason.

Those intentions are not lost on Isaacson.

"We love everything that they're doing, have done, are continuing to do. It's a great program and it's great to see that they can make something like this a reality for troops that have been injured like me," said Isaacson.

His wife, Brenda, added, "You want to try to thank everybody but like I tell him, how do you thank everybody that's helped us."

The couple plans to move into their new home next week. Isaacson is working to complete his bachelors in computer science. He's not worried about what will come after that. On Tuesday, he was just enjoying the moment.

"As far as I'm concerned right now, I want to focus on getting here, getting settled in. I'm just enjoying retirement for a little bit I guess," he said.

You can learn more about Homes for Our Troops by clicking here.

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