Military hero from Central Ohio gets a new home

ETNA, Ohio (WSYX/WTTE) — An amazing gift for a hero. A local military veteran giving his all for the country. Saturday he was given a special thank you for his service.

A home for a hero, it was a labor of love for volunteers.

“The day is here. It’s really here. It felt like home. It felt like homecoming through the door,” said Samantha Cort.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation teamed for the first time with A Soldier's Journey Home to build a new home for Melroy Cort and his family. Cort, a veteran of the Marine Corps is a double amputee. He lost both of his legs in an IED blast in December 2005. However, he cherishes the time he has here to share special moments with loved ones.

“The most important currency we were granted is a million dollars’ worth of time so you have to appreciate it,” said Melroy.

The Cort family lost their house to a fire two years ago. Now, they have an amazing new home. It was built by volunteers in just twelve days.

“It’s insane to actually sit there and think about it like these people took the time away from their family. Two weeks away from their family left everything behind. These are real people that actually took their time and energy, but we’re gonna make sure this happens,” said Melroy.

The moment was overwhelming for the family.

“I’m just blown away right now, I’m still on a high,” said Samantha Cort.

Volunteers indicate that all of it was simply a "thank you" for his service.