The sun was shining, and the community showed up to welcome the Morris family to their new home in Elberta.

Gulf Coast Media first introduced readers to U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Johnny Morris II, his wife Natalie, and two children, Gage and Gabby, in early April 2023 after the Homes For Our Troops kick-off event.

Morris sustained severe injuries to both of his legs, including the amputation of his left foot, after he stepped on an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan in 2011. After he medically retired, the Morris family returned to Alabama. Both Morris and Natalie grew up in Baldwin County and graduated from Robertsdale High School.

The two-time Purple Heart recipient and his family moved into a 1950s-era home in Mobile. The narrow doorways, hallways, kitchen and small bathroom made the home impossible for Morris to use his wheelchair and give his leg a rest.

The family needed an accessible home. They found their answer in the national nonprofit Homes For Our Troops. The organization builds accessible homes for post-9/11 soldiers who qualify for the Veterans Affairs Adapted Housing Grant. The organization gives all recipients the choice to live anywhere, and the Morris family chose Elberta, a town full of friends and family.

The kick-off event in April 2023 was the start of a yearlong build by Tennessee-based J & S Construction. The 2,800-square-foot home with over 40 special adaptations was nearly complete in January when the community showed up for Volunteer Day. Over 100 volunteers laid sod to give the Morris family's new home a beautiful lawn in less than an hour.

WELCOME HOME

On March 16, the Morris family arrived at their new home in the same manner they arrived at the Elberta Civic Center almost one year ago; with a Baldwin County Sheriff and Patriot Guard Riders escort. The family was welcomed by a large crowd lining the driveway waving American Flags.

Saturday's crowd included family, friends, local veterans, Robertsdale High School Navy JROTC, Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen and local Quilts of Valor representatives, to name a few. The Key Ceremony began with the presentation of the colors by the Robertsdale High Navy JROTC and the singing of the national anthem.

Remarks were given by representatives from Homes For Our Troops, Allen and Morris' Commanding Officer. Morris was presented with a quilt made by Quilts of Valor board member Roxanne Conner. When it was Morris's turn to take the podium, he was short on words but conveyed his appreciation for the home and community support.

After the American flag was raised on the flagpole installed in the Morris' front yard, Gage cut the ribbon to the new home while Morris took position of the keys. Once the doors were opened, those in attendance donned shoe protection and were given the chance to explore the Morris family's new home.

THE HOME

The Morris home is situated on three acres and includes a wide driveway with an extended concrete pad to the mailbox so Morris can use his wheelchair to get the mail.

The home features a wide sidewalk that wraps the entire home, giving Morris full access. Its features include wide doorways, hallways, a roll-in shower big enough for an entire baseball team (it was the highlight of the tour for many) and roll-under cabinets in the kitchen. The kitchen cabinets and master closet feature special shelving that can be pulled down and reached from a wheelchair.

Safety is a priority when building, so Homes For Our Troops includes a Federal Emergency Management Agency-rated safe room for tornadoes and hurricanes that doubles as the master closet. The space includes an outlet where Morris can plug in his prosthetic leg and a seat where he can dress and remove or attach his prosthetic leg. Additional safety features include a whole-house generator and automatic door openers.

Gage, Gabby and Ziggy (the family dog) enjoyed showing their friends around the home, but Gage was most excited about the kitchen. The 12-year-old gave the side-by-side refrigerator a big hug when he walked in while his sister, Gabby, rolled her eyes. Gage is looking forward to many meals made in the new kitchen.

"It's been amazing today. The outpouring of support from the people and that ride-in was awesome. It's just been a great experience all-around with Homes For Our Troops," Morris said. "They have been a great organization, and we can't really thank them enough for this. I mean, it's the American dream."

When asked what he is looking forward to most he said knowing this is where he and Natalie are going to live for the rest of their lives. They are all ready and excited to get moved in and finally be home.

While many new homeowners are excited to decorate, Natalie is excited for the peace of mind this home brings.

"I think it's going to be just a peace of mind for Johnny. Everything is going to be safe for him and I think he'll finally be able to just relax and be a lot more stress-free," Natalie said. "I think I will be less worried to leave him by himself because I won't have to worry about him falling and hurting himself."