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To: Carolyn who wrote (21064)	1/5/2011 3:12:35 PM
From: TimF	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 23908

Guest Commentary: A veteran's gratitude to Homes for Our Troops By Matthew Keil Posted: 01/02/2011 01:00:00 AM MST "Home for the holidays" has special meaning to all of us, but the phrase has taken on a new and incredible meaning to me thanks to the support of my nation and my community. In September of 2008, I moved into a newly constructed home from Homes for Our Troops that was specially adapted to meet my needs as a severely injured veteran. On February 24, 2007, an enemy sniper in Iraq shot me in the neck, leaving me a quadriplegic, paralyzed from the chest down with only the use of my left arm. I lost almost all of my independence that day. Homes for Our Troops helped me regain some of that independence, though, by building me a beautiful home that is fully handicap accessible. All the doorways and hallways are wider, making it easy for me to get around. They installed automatic doors so I can get in and out of my house using pushbuttons, and a voice recognition environmental control unit allows me to control the light switches, fireplace and television. I have an overhead lift system in my bedroom to help my caregivers get me in and out of bed, and a roll-in shower for easy access. Homes for Our Troops also helped integrate me into my community by sending news releases to local newspapers and TV channels. By the time I moved into my home, the community already knew who I was. My home has not only increased my independence, but has given me a new sense of self-confidence. It is not only a place to live, but a place to raise my new family. In the spirit of the season, I want to thank all the generous and supportive Americans in our community and across the country who contributed to my home and helped restore my sense of independence. I also want to see if I can pass along the generous spirit of my gift to others. There are other severely injured veterans who will not spend their holidays in a home that meets their needs. These veterans return from war with life altering injuries that challenge their daily lives and the lives of their families in unique and frustrating ways. They are former warriors who now struggle to reach the kitchen faucet, take a shower, or even get from one room to the next. On Veterans Day, Homes for Our Troops launched a campaign to rally Americans to help them build 100 more homes for veterans in record time. The need for these homes is great and growing. When giving thanks this season, please remember your veterans, particularly those who sacrificed so much of themselves for all of us. If you can find a way to help them, you can make a profound and lasting difference in their lives. Matthew Keil served as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army Infantry. He now lives in a specially adapted home in Parker, provided by Homes for Our Troops (http://www.homesforourtroops.org). EDITOR'S NOTE: This is an online-only column and has not been edited. denverpost.com