Benefit planned for wounded warrior

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - A Marine from Mobile is getting a fresh start. Marine Cpl. Chris Montgomery lost both his legs a suffered a number of other injuries when an IED exploded in Afghanistan. Now, “Homes For Our Troops” is giving him back his independence.

Reggie and Ayda Montgomery will never forget the call.

"(The call) pretty well knocked us to the floor. They said he was still alive. They didn't expect him to live," said Reggie Montgomery.

Their son,  a 24-year-old a Baker High School graduate, was on his third tour in Afghanistan when he stepped on an IED.

"Triggered the bomb, and I lost my legs my left arm is severely injured," said Chris Montgomery.

"You can’t go. I mean, how do you go to Afghanistan and find your son?" said Reggie Montgomery.

That was more than a year and a half ago.

In that time, Montgomery has had dozens of surgeries and is still in rehab in San Antonia.

"We were fortunate. A couple of his guys with him died in the hospital, but he made it,” said Reggie Montgomery.

Montgomery is now in a wheel chair and has lost some use of his left arm.

"There was a time in the hospital where I couldn't even feed myself," Cpl. Montgomery said.

He said while he still faces many challenges, he is making progress.

"Like, I don’t have legs so I learn how to get around without them. So everything is different," said Cpt. Montgomery.

His father said they worried about his emotional state, but now they see the old Chris back again.

"He drives; he jumps right in there and everything just like that and does his thing. He’s changed a lot. He’s said he’s going to get a Segway and hook it to the back of his truck," said Reggie Montgomery.

“Homes For Our Troops” is working on giving Montgomery his independence back. They are building him a home designed specifically with his needs in mind.

"You can’t really put it into words how grateful I am for all of this. I know it’s cliché, but for just going out and what you’re supposed to, your job," said Chris Montgomery.

Friday, Montgomery was in good spirits and looking forward to coming home. When he does, he can’t wait to start school.

A “Poker Run” is planned Sunday to benefit Montgomery’s new house. Sign in starts at 11 a.m. at VFW post 49. That’s located at 2528 Government Boulevard.

For more information, call 251-471-9438.

The groundbreaking for Montgomery’s house will take place on August 24.

You can donate online or sign up to volunteer.

Building materials are also welcomed donations.