Wounded N.C. soldier gets new house from fellow vets

FUQUAY-VARINA, N.C. — A veterans group on Monday presented Sgt. Joey Bozik the keys to his new house four years to the day from when he was wounded in Iraq.

A roadside bomb in Iraq injured Bozik. The 26-year-old former sergeant with the 118th Military Police Company from Fort Bragg lost both legs and his right arm when an anti-tank mine exploded under his Humvee.

Paratroopers from Fort Bragg parachuted in Monday with the keys to his new home in Fuquay-Varina.

The house was built by Operation Coming Home, a group of military veterans who are now real estate agents and home builders. All the material and labor were donated.

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

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

Bozik and his wife, who is pregnant, moved in Monday, because Oct. 27 is also his "Alive Day" – the anniversary of the day he came out of a coma from his injuries.

Bozik, a Wilmington native, spent more than a year at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

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Latest Comments

Worland: They don't ask for anything in return? Um, how about room and board for them and their entire families for the rest of their lives?!? We give soldiers way, waaaay too much as is. We don't need a standing army. I'm tired of all of my tax dollars going to pay for these people who don't accomplish anything of merit.

ignc73
October 27, 2008 7:53 p.m.

This is a great thing to hear! Some good news finally! Capital Style Luxury transportation provided the limo for the family to take to their new home and the big "reveal"!!

ScoDan
October 27, 2008 6:01 p.m.

Great story!

jesmyopinion
October 27, 2008 4:07 p.m.

What a great thing to do! It's nice to read, and what a generous thing this organization has done. What to go, guys!

DangYankee
October 27, 2008 4:06 p.m.

WAS AT THIS EVENT TODAY AND IT WAS ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE!!!!!!! WE SHOULD ALSO THANK THE 72 FOUNDATION THAT FED OVER 500 PEOPLE...GREAT STORY ALL AROUND!!!!!!!!!!:) GOD BLESS THE USA!!!!