Feb 18, 2008 9:08 pm US/Eastern
Home For Injured Iraq Vet Soon To Be A Reality
ROSS TOWNSHIP (KDKA) ―
Volunteers have been helping a severely injured veteran of the Iraq war build a new life with a new home.
Roughly one year ago, efforts began to help James Fair who lost his sight and mobility because of an IED attack.
On Monday, James and his family got a tour of their new home equipped with special features to help him gain some of his independence back.
"I'm pretty anxious. I'm waiting to see what all different technology will being offered into the house," Fair said.
Joe Vallarian, a spokesman for Duquesne Light, said the house will have voice activation and proximity readers.
For example, Fair will be able to walk into a shower room and say "Start shower" and it will happen. When he approaches a door, a censor will automatically recognize it's him and activate the door to open and close.
The downstairs of the home will house a rehabilitation and exercise center for Fair.
While there's still more work ahead, Fair could get the keys to the new house at the end of March.
When it's complete, the home will cost $350,000-$400,000 - all of it paid for by donations.
Homes For Our Troops, Duquesne Light, cash donations and volunteers helped make the home become a reality for Fair.
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