http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2010/062010/06112010/553983By RUSTY DENNEN
A month ago, about 100 volunteers gathered on a lot in Ashburn Hills to begin Steven Kiernan's house.
Tomorrow the Marine sergeant, who lost both legs in combat in Iraq in 2008, will move in--mortgage-free--thanks to Homes for Our Troops and Atlantic Builders.
Kiernan, 22, will receive the keys to the 2,600-square-foot, four-bedroom rambler in the subdivision off U.S. 17 in Stafford County in an 11 a.m. ceremony open to the public.
"It was just an awesome experience," said Gene Brown, vice president for production for Atlantic Builders, the general contractor.
The local construction company lined up all the skilled tradesmen--carpenters, plumbers, framers, electricians, roofers, drywall installers--all of whom donated their time. Area building suppliers donated the materials.
And they spared no expense, Brown said. The house is adapted for Kiernan's special needs, along with extras such as granite countertops, hardwood floors and stainless-steel appliances.
"And it was all donated in tough [economic] times."
As a rule, Brown said, "Construction guys are territorial, but at one time there were 70 people [working] at that house. Everybody was smiling and working together."
Tom Schoedel, Atlantic Builders' president, added, "It was great, a shared sense of purpose."
Homes for Our Troops says the Stafford effort is the fastest ever for one of its projects. In addition, Kiernan's house is the first to be funded entirely by donations, including $25,000 from the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund.
Schoedel said Atlantic Builders is putting up the final $5,000 needed for Kiernan's home, at 52 Ashburn Lane. The market value of the house and lot is about $400,000.
"A barrier-free home will enable [Kiernan] to regain his freedom and independence for the sacrifice he made on behalf of our country," said John Gonsalves, president and founder of Homes for Our Troops.
"We are extremely grateful to Atlantic Builders and all of the professional tradespeople that donated their time and materials . We are also most appreciative to everyone from the community that helped raise funds to build this barrier-free home. It is a great testimony to the community of Fredericksburg."
Kiernan's neighbors have welcomed him, many pitching in items he'll need in and around the house.
Kiernan, who grew up in California, has been living in Northern Virginia with friend and roommate Kenny Lyon, another wounded Marine. Kiernan chose Stafford to be close to Quantico Marine Corps Base and medical care.
On patrol in Fallujah, Iraq, in 2008, he and his squad were hit by an improvised explosive device. He lost both legs at the knee and still has shrapnel in his body.
He's receiving treatment at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, where he was fitted with prosthetic legs.
He hopes to be released from the Marine Corps soon on medical disability.
