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Volunteers Build Home For Fort Collins Soldier FORT COLLINS, Colo. — Dozens of volunteers became members of a "Build Brigade" Friday, helping to build a new home for Sgt. John Jones, who was severely injured in Iraq four years ago. "It's phenomenal, you just step back and say, ‘wow, instant house,'" said Larry Archer from Spring Creek Homes. The nonprofit group Homes For Our Troops purchased the land on Streamside Drive in south Fort Collins and partnered with Archer to build a specially adapted barrier-free home. "This is going to be fully accessible. I can go anywhere in this house," said Jones as he toured the house at frame stage. Jones lost both of his legs four years ago while serving with the 1st Battalion/7th Marines when his convoy was hit by a double stacked anti-tank mine. After years of physical therapy, his prosthetic legs are nearly unnoticeable as he walks with ease through the home, but Jones also uses a wheelchair and his current two-story home has presented challenges. This new ranch-style home will have an elevator to the basement level, which he plans to finish one day. "It's a dream come true. I'm like a kid in Disneyland. This is Disneyland," Jones said beaming. Homes for Our Troops has built 40 specially adapted homes for severely injured veterans all over the country -- including four in Colorado. "They keep us free and when they get home this is what we do for them," said Bret Hribar, project manager for the group. By the time the house is completed between 300 and 400 volunteers will have helped in some way. Jones and his wife Amber, who will move in mortgage-free, are humbled by the donation and can't wait to settle in with their three children sometime this summer. "Everything's perfect," his wife, Amber said with a big smile. "We're on cloud nine, that's for sure," Jones said.
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