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Published: 2008-09-24 23:08:00
Updated: 2008-09-25 09:50:23

Wounded war vet's 'Hero Home' complete


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A open house was held Wednesday evening for a "Hero Home" that was built for a severely injured war veteran

"This is a dream house,” Jayme Bozik said. "One of the things that I guess I have been dreaming of is a home where my husband can feel independent."

Joey Bozik, a former Airborne military police sergeant with the 118th Military Police Company from Fort Bragg, lost his legs and an arm in Iraq nearly four years ago as a result of a roadside bomb.

"He hit a roadside bomb. ... It happened to him,” Jayme Bozik said.

The land, building materials and labor for the home were all donated.

"I'm extremely proud. I think it's something that's very fitting for a hero like Joey,” said Jim Anderson, with Triangle Real Estate and Construction Veterans.

Professionals in the real estate and construction businesses who are also veterans formed the group more than a year ago.

The mission of "Operation Coming Home" is to provide injured war veterans with free houses that they call "Hero Homes." Joey Bozik was the first recipient.

The Fuquay-Varina home was built with special features to make life for Joey Bozik easier, including radiant heat floors, easy-access cabinets, a sprinkler system and appliances with special hinges and levers that make opening doors easier.

"I can't believe as much has been donated. We would have been happy with just three walls up. And they've gone above and beyond what we could have ever asked for with this home. We will forever be grateful to all who helped,” Jayme Bozik said.

Even though the "Hero Home" is completed, Joey Bozik and his wife, who are expecting their first child, will not move in until Oct. 27, his "Alive Day" – the anniversary of the day he came out of coma from his injuries.

Joey Bozik, a Wilmington native, spent more than a year at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He is doing well, but was unable to attend the open house because he was speaking to a group of disabled veterans on the West Coast.

  • Reporter: Dan Bowens
  • Photographer: Anthony Shepherd
  • Web Editor: Minnie Bridgers

6 Comments


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Wish we could do that for all those that have paid so heavy a price for our freedom. Even if you disagree with a particular war thats irrelevent to those soldiers......

"Forward, the Light Brigade!" Was there a man dismay'd? Not tho' the soldier knew Someone had blunder'd: Their's not to make reply, Their's not to reason why, Their's but to do and die: Into the valley of Death Rode the six hundred.

The Charge of the Light Brigade Alfred, Lord Tennyson

How can I get involved? This is a worthy cause that I would like to see myself and sons get involved in. Our veterans are our heroes.

"The mission of "Operation Coming Home" is to provide injured war veterans with free houses that they call "Hero Homes." Joey Bozik was the first recipient."

What a great organization.

Praying for it, praying for this family and praying for our troops and their families worldwide.

God bless.

Rev. RB

How awesome!!! This is how all our troops should be treated for doing what they do, when they need something they should have it.

It is very nice to see that you can still rely on the kindest of strangers.

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