Marine Sergeant Kenny Lyon received more than just a house

Marine Sergeant Kenny Lyon received more than just a house from Homes for Our Troops. Over 100 roaring motorcycle riders made sure he did not make the journey to the next part of his life alone. Ahead of this day, over 150 people donated supplies and labors of love so that Lyon would never have to worry about having a roof over his head ever again. Simple acts of kindness reminding the country there are still people out there thinking about others. Lyon had seen this kind of kindness before in Iraq when Col. Paulette Schank pumped her own blood into him so that he could live.

Lyon, for his part, was willing to give up his life if that day ever came. As a Marine, he served watching the backs of his brothers. Just as other men and women spend their days willing, able and ready to do whatever it takes to do what they were sent to do and take care of their "family" Lyon knew what it was like to be unselfish. With all the heroes in this story, the story won't end here. Everyone driving by this house, from this day on, will remember the story of the community coming together, working together, for the sake of someone willing to die in service. They will remember the story of Schank so determined to save Lyon, she took her own blood for his sake. They will remember that heroes come in and out of uniform and the next time they are asked to help someone, they may remember all of these wonderful people saying they wanted to help.

Sgt. Kenny Lyon (left) tells how Col. Paulette Schank (right) directly transfused her own blood into his in her successful attempt to save his life after a mortar attack in Iraq. Homes for Our Troops arranged for Col. Schank, seen here hugging Sgt. Lyon's mother, to surprise Sgt. Lyon on the day the organization presented him a new home. (Photo: Business Wire)

Homes for Our Troops Presents Home to Injured Marine
April 10, 2011
FREDERICKSBURG, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Over 100 motorcycles escorted Marine Sergeant Kenny Lyon to the home that will change his life. Homes for Our Troops, a national nonprofit presented Lyon the keys to a specially adapted home, completely mortgage-free.

Lyon suffered life-threatening injuries after a mortar attack, resulting in a left leg above the knee amputation. Homes for Our Troops, Atlantic Builders and 150 businesses and professional volunteers constructed the home in just four days. The home, the fastest built by the organization, marked the 100th home launched by Homes for Our Troops.

“I’ve travelled all over the country and witnessed communities stepping up for these veterans. Every now and then you’ll see one of these communities pull off something extra special, and what the Fredericksburg community did this week was absolutely amazing,” said John Gonsalves, founder and president of Homes for Our Troops.

The emotional high note of the ceremony came when Lyon reunited with the nurse who saved his life, Col. Paulette Schank. After a tearful embrace, Lyon explained how Schank directly transfused her own blood into his body, keeping him alive.

Lyon later expressed his appreciation to the crowd, saying, “The words ‘thank you’ feel so cheap when I won’t have to worry about anything anymore.”
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Homes for Our Troops Presents Home to Injured Marine