WTOL.com, Toledo's News Leader, News 11 | Wounded Fostoria soldier returns to new home, new dream
Member Center:
Retired Army Sgt. Shane Parsons returned to Fostoria to a soldier's welcome.
Parsons got a tour of his newly renovated home that included wheelchair ramps.
His 'man cave' includes a therapy pool that Parsons will use to rehabilitate and train for a marathon.By Justin Michaels - bio | email
Posted by Lisa Strawbridge - email
FOSTORIA, Ohio (WTOL) - Newly retired Army Sgt Shane Parsons returned to Fostoria to a soldier's welcome. American flags lined his driveway and loved ones waited at his home.
Both Shane and his home are very different than when he left. Shane lost both legs fighting the war on terror in Iraq. His home has already been completely remodeled to accommodate his needs thanks to the non-profit group Hope for the Warriors.
"This one was a particularly beautiful story in that the strength of this family was amazing, and the situation that they were in was extreme," said Hope for the Warriors CEO Robin Kelleher.
Program staff and volunteers also planned one special room. Shane's mom Cindy describes, "Of course, the man cave is the best part."
The room is complete with exercise equipment and even an endless pool to help in Shane's continued rehabilitation. And it's all decked out in an Ohio State theme.
"Oh man. You ain't kidding. It's insane," Shane said when he finally laid eyes on it, "It's phenomenal."
Cindy added, "To come back three years later and to see this beautiful home -- words are not enough to express. It's still like a dream. It really is like a dream."
Expressing his gratitude to Hope for the Warriors and the volunteers, Shane pointed out that he was happy to have so much help and support. "I'm very grateful because I look up to all the veterans, and all the guys in WWII did not have that support that we do now."
It's been a long road for this army sergeant. Yet he comes home determined to show that no matter what was taken from him in Iraq, it could never take his heart. With the help of that room, support from family and friends and continued rehab, Shane says he is training to be in the Marine Corps Marathon next summer.
Copyright 2009 WTOL. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Comments Terms of Use: We welcome your participation in our community. Please keep your comments civil and on point. Notify us of any inappropriate comments by clicking the “Mark as Offensive” link. You must be at least 13 years of age to post comments. By submitting a comment, you agree to these
Terms of Service
You must be logged in to leave a comment. Login or register See all comments |
Monday -- Inside Sex Addiction Rehab: Addiction specialist Dr. Drew Pinsky will talk about why sex addiction is the most hidden, shameful and most misunderstood addiction in the U.S.
