Lincoln Wounded Warrior Gets New Home For Family

LINCOLN (CBS13) — A local wounded warrior is getting a big thank-you from a home builder and nonprofit group.

Joseph Morgan served on the front lines in Iraq, and now he's getting a place to call home in Lincoln.

Two organizations that donated it are saying the 1,900-square-foot house is their small way of saying thank you for your service.

Surrounded by dozens of veterans, service members and a loving family, Morgan is receiving both full military honors and the key to the American Dream—homeownership.

He started his career in 2004 on the front lines in Iraq, and was discharged in 2008.

"The transition home was one of the most hardest things I've ever done," he said.

Morgan is all smiles, but he's still haunted by the graphic memories of war. The veterans center in Citrus Heights is helping him deal with post-traumatic stress disorder.

"Without them I would be standing here with you today. I would be hiding from all of this," he said.

Recognizing his sacrifice, home builder Meritage Homes Corporation teamed up with Operation Homefront to make the dream possible. The home is the sixth they've donated to Operation Homefront.

Now Morgan, his wife Cortney and their four kids have a fresh start in a new home.

"People coming through here are going to see a house and row of houses," he said. "And to my kids it's going to be a place to open their Christmas gifts and eat their turkey and have their lives and that they gave that to us is amazing."