Wounded veteran, family receive new Raleigh home

Army Sgt. Anthony Von Canon sacrificed for his country, so builders and volunteers stepped up for him with a new house.

Von Canon became the 17th wounded veteran to receive a home through Operation Coming Home, a collaboration between the Home Builders Association of Raleigh-Wake County and other nonprofits.

He suffered serious spinal and hip injuries in a rocket attack in Afghanistan in 2009.

The celebration Thursday to welcome the Von Canon family to their new home in north Raleigh was fit for a hero, with two military flyovers and appearances by North Carolina first lady Kristin Cooper and Lt. Gov. Dan Forest.

"To give someone a home seems like such a grand gesture, but in view of what he's done for our country, it seems very small in comparison," said Paul Kane, executive vice president and chief executive of the Home Builders Association of Raleigh-Wake County.

Builder Level Homes made the vision reality.

"Words can't describe it," said Ric Rojas, North Carolina president for Level Homes. "What Anthony has done for our country, this is just a token of what we can give back to him. It's a great feeling."

Von Canon and his wife, Arlette, were visibly moved by the gift, which comes a few weeks after the birth of their third child.

"We're blessed to even be nominated in the first place, and then be the winner, it's exciting," he said. "Our family believes life is to be lived in a way that honors God. I know he is looking down today pleased with all the loving actions of everyone who helped this home come together."