Army veteran receives new home from national nonprofit
In November 2004, Sgt. Andy Butterworth’s life changed forever after his vehicle was struck by two RPGs in Northern Iraq.
This incident caused him to lose one of his legs and he suffered several internal injuries. Now, 20 years later, a nonprofit called "Homes for Our Troops" handed him and his family the key to a brighter future.
Video above: Iraq War veteran welcomed to new home
“This house is so much more than a home, this is an opportunity to build a better tomorrow for my family,” Butterworth said.
This house adds to the other 385 houses this organization has built for veterans across 45 states.
Butterworth said that after adapting to spaces for the past 20 years, he finally has a space that is adapted to him. His wife also shares the same needs, so the general contractor for this project said this was extra special.
“For her to have that relief as well, you know, she can see it in her husband and in the kids — it’s a two-for-one,” general contractor Jeff Cato said.
“You can get a wheelchair into every room, into every bathroom, under every sink — you can reach up and get everything on shelves,” he said. “You can cook, you can do dishes, chase children," his wife, Julia, added.
Their kids even quickly found their favorite places in their new home. Jana, the Butterworth’s 5-year-old daughter, said her favorite thing about her new room is her closet.
“I love to climb in the drawers because I'm a climber,” Jana said.
While rooms may be lacking furniture for the time being, the emotion in the house definitely filled the space with this new community wrapped their arms around their newfound family.
Butterworth even received a key to the city of Pea Ridge from Mayor Nathan See.
“I am grateful that Andy and this beautiful family here answered their nation's call that when suffering a horrific injury on the battlefield that his country rallied behind it and made him well again. And now giving him this beautiful home,” Rep. Steve Womack said.
