The final changes are complete and Homes For Our Troops will turn over the keys to a brand-new home to U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Johnny Morris II.

Gulf Coast Media introduced you to Morris and his family in April 2023. 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 rehabilitation at Walter Reed Medical Center, he returned to North Carolina, but once he was medically retired, he returned to his home state of Alabama.

The home Morris shared with his wife, Natalie, and two children, Gage and Gabby, is a 1950s-era home in Mobile. The doorways, hallways and kitchen are narrow, and the shower is small. After a long day of wearing his prosthetic, Morris wants nothing more than to come home, kick off his shoe and leg, get into his wheelchair and relax. That wasn't possible until now.

After months of patience, construction and community assistance, Homes for Our Troops will hand over the keys to a custom-built, accessible home to the Morris family. The Key Ceremony on March 16 marks the end of this exciting journey for the Morris family.

At the Homes For Our Troops Volunteer Day Jan. 13, Morris and his family spoke with Gulf Coast Media about just how excited they were to move into their finished home.

"Everything inside is handicap accessible," Natalie Morris said. "Out here, the sidewalks go all the way around the house. He (Johnnie) can go anywhere in his wheelchair. He can even roll out to the mailbox safely and back. He will be able to do anything he wants and rest his leg."

Morris' 10-year-old daughter, Gabby, said she is excited about her new room and going to a new school with old friends. The area is full of family and old friends. Morris's son, Gabe, was too busy enjoying the day with friends to give Gulf Coast Media a quote, but Morris said both children are excited to move into their new home and be closer to old friends.

On Saturday, the family will officially be home and close to their family, friends and a community that has opened its arms to the Morris family. That was clear in January when over 100 volunteers showed up on a cold and windy day to landscape the yard.

The community is invited to celebrate the completion of the Morris home, Saturday, March 16 at 10 a.m. The home will be open to tours after the ceremony.

About Homes For Our Troops

Since 2004, Homes For Our Troops has built 353 mortgage-free homes for post-9/11 war veterans with life-altering injuries. There are currently 82 homes under construction. According to the organization, there are 1,000 veterans currently eligible for homes. For more information on Homes For Our Troops and to find out how you can get involved, visit www.hfotusa.org.