Elberta veteran gets a new home thanks to Homes For Our Troops

Olivia Wilson
·2 min read

BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. (WKRG) — A Baldwin County veteran’s everyday life will be a little easier thanks to the national nonprofit organization Homes For Our Troops.

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The organization — which aims to help rebuild injured veterans’ lives through adapted, custom homes — has donated an accessible home to Marine Staff Sgt. Johnny Morris of Elberta, Alabama. Morris was reportedly severely injured while serving in Afghanistan.

“On July 2, 2011, during his third deployment, Staff Sergeant Morris was the EOD team leader on an improvised explosive device (IED) defeat mission in the Sangin River Valley, Afghanistan. When he stepped on an IED, SSgt. Morris sustained severe damage to both his legs in the blast, including the traumatic amputation of his left foot,” a Homes For Our Troops news release said.

Photo of Marine Staff Sergeant Johnny Morris II on a blue background with the WKRG.com logo
Marine Staff Sgt. Johnny Morris, of Elberta, Alabama. (Photo courtesy: Homes For Our Troops; used with permission.)

Morris’s new home features over 40 adaptations, including widened doorways for wheelchair access, a roll-in shower, pull-down shelving, and lowered countertops.

According to the release, “The home will also alleviate the mobility and safety issues associated with a traditional home, including navigating a wheelchair through narrow hallways or over thresholds, riding on carpets, or reaching for cabinets that are too high.”

It’s all possible with contributions from donors, supporters, and corporate partners.

Morris, who now works as a charter fishing captain and volunteers at various veterans’ organizations, is set to move into the new home with his wife, Natalie, and two kids, Gage and Gabrielle.

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“It is very hard to go from the best shape of your life, being in charge of keeping your brothers safe in a war zone, to needing constant help with everything. It can be overwhelming. These homes help to regain some of the independence that we miss and crave. Thank you very much,” said Morris.

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