McALESTER, Okla. -- "Building homes, rebuilding lives."
Homes for Our Troops, or HFOT, presented a local wounded warrior with the ceremonial key to his new specially-adapted house during a ceremony at the J.I. Stipe Recreation Center here, April 11.
The new house given by Homes for Our Troops represents a new lease on life for McAlester resident, Quinton Picone, who endured life-altering injuries while serving his nation nearly three and a half years ago.
While on patrol with the 71st Cavalry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division in Maiwand District, Kandahar, Afghanistan, in November 2011, the U.S. Army specialist stepped on an improvised explosive device. He lost both of his legs and sustained other injuries from the blast.
Opening the 45-minute key ceremony, Katelyn Donovan, HFOT outreach coordinator, thanked everyone for attending and explained why the culminating event of the build wasn't held at the home site.
"We hold the homes that we give our veterans to the highest standards and Quinton's home wasn't quite there yet," she said about the minor finishing touches still being applied. However, she said it wouldn't be long before he could move in.
One by one a myriad of speakers -- elected officials, civic and business leaders and a national HFOT partner -- offered some thoughts and words of kindness.
Representing the U.S. Army, Col. (ret.) Robert Byrd, chief of command initiatives group at McAlester Army Ammunition Plant, Oklahoma, talked about how the United States distinguishes itself from other nations.
"Let me be the first to say, I am a strong believer in American exceptionalism and there is no better example than this dedication today in southeastern Oklahoma," Byrd said.
He talked about how Picone volunteered to serve and fight for his country 8,000 miles from home; a military medical system capable of evacuating him and saving his life; his resilience to endure unimaginable pain while fighting to survive and then continuing to serve as a Department of the Army Civilian; and finally how a charity musters the resources to build him a home. He concluded that those four examples disprove any notion that America is no longer exceptional.
"With that said, there is little left to say, but welcome home, Quinton," Byrd said as he turned to shake Picone's hand.
Upton Shimp, Ph.D., director of the Defense Ammunition Center, talked about the inspiration Picone has been to his workforce during the nearly one year the veteran has worked there.
"His attitude is an inspiration to everyone and we sincerely appreciate your service to our country," he said.
Before turning the microphone over to Picone, Shelley Yarborough, a HFOT board member, talked briefly about her organization and thanked its national partners for coming together to provide homes for veterans.
Yarborough said an estimated 1,900 veterans have sustained life-altering injuries in Iraq and Afghanistan. In its 11 years in existence, HFOT has built 185 homes in 39 states for some of those veterans. Picone's is the most recent.
Each home is given mortgage-free and is specially-adapted for the veteran. They typically have wider halls and doorways; automatic door openers; roll-under sinks, stove tops and counters; and pulldown shelves -- amenities included to help disabled veterans live independently.
"This infrastructure now will enable Quinton and his family -- and two dogs -- Mollie and Murphy -- free access to live," Yarborough said before presenting him HFOT and American flags, and finally the ceremonial key to his new home located just north of McAlester.
"This is not only symbolic for your house, but it's a key to represent the freedom and independence that the new home will hopefully open for you," she added.
When Picone was finally introduced, he received a standing ovation from the more than 200 people in attendance. He first thanked the veterans and then everyone for attending the ceremony. For a few moments, there was silence as he tried to regain his composure.
"Words really can't describe how I feel," Picone said. "When you see people come together for other people and you see it for yourself, and everyone is doing it for you, then it's life-changing and humbling."
Other speakers at the event included John Larkin, territory manager for CertainTeed; Steve Davis, director of the Warren Clinic and past president of the McAlester Chamber of Commerce; Steve Harrison, mayor of McAlester; and Oklahoma Rep. Donnie Condit, (D-McAlester). Jason Self, military and veterans' representative for U.S. Congressman Markwayne Mullin, also attended the ceremony.
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