Wounded Marine veteran given new home
Robert McCardle injured in Iraq in 2007
Robert McCardle injured in Iraq in 2007
Robert McCardle injured in Iraq in 2007
A wounded Marine received keys Saturday to a new way of life.
"It's really hard. I think I said earlier, it's really life-changing. The future looks bright," Marine combat veteran Robert "Bobby" McCardle said.
"Although we are a nonprofit, what we do is help the American people repay a debt we owe these men and women who've been so badly injured, so it's really is not charity," said Bill Ivey, executive director or Homes for Our Troops.
While serving in Iraq in 2007, McCardle was severely injured when an explosive impacted a car he was in.
He suffered a traumatic brain injury and lost his right leg.
"The challenges, they're gonna be there with or without the home, but the challenges won't be as big," McCardle said.
The house is an adapted custom home with a roll-in shower with wider doorways for wheelchair access and lowered countertops.
A perfect fit for the veteran.
"I do have a wheelchair and I'll be able to get through this whole house with a wheelchair. With the home we're living in right now, usually, when the leg has got to come off for certain periods, you're kind of stuck in one bedroom," McCardle said. "It makes us feel truly blessed."
Homes for Our Troops will also help McCardle's career plan so he can do more volunteer work.
Right now, he coaches his daughter's softball team and teaches Sunday school.