Volunteers raise walls for wounded hero

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - More than 100 people gathered Friday to begin construction on a new home that will be given to a local hero.

Homes for our Troops is providing a new home to Montgomery, free of charge.

So when the Patriot Guard, cheerleaders, and a helicopter are brought in to welcome one man, you know he paid a dear price for it.

"Without my friends and family, there's no way I would be here,” Montgomery said.

In December 2010, Montgomery was on his third tour in Afghanistan when he stepped on a roadside bomb and lost both of his legs and part of his hand.

He has since recovered, and Friday was his homecoming ceremony. He just came in from a treatment facility in San Antonio, but this homecoming ceremony is different because he came to witness the construction of his new home.

Absolutely everything has been donated, and the volunteers have given their time because this house is being given to Corporal Montgomery for free.

Photos: Homes for our Troops build

The four-bedroom two bath home will be handicap accessible, and was provided by Homes for our troops.

Larry Gill, a veteran’s liaison with Homes for Our troops said, "They've paid enough. When you pay with your arms and your legs and your toes, the least we could do."

That fateful December day changed Montgomery's life but this is proof that all things work together for good.

Montgomery said, "Words can't explain how grateful. Seriously, it's amazing. The reception I got, I did not expect this at all. I didn't know people paid attention this much."

The freedom we enjoy is something money cannot buy. But it cost Montgomery a dear price, so he certainly deserves something in return.

Montgomery’s house will be completed sometime in the next few months.

After he’s settled in, he plans to attend the University of South Alabama.

Homes for Our Troops is still in need of volunteers for the project.