Local marine and family moves to new custom-built home

It was moving day for Evan Morgan and his family. The disabled Marine corporal received the keys to his new home, courtesy of Homes for our Troops and an army of volunteers. To Evan Morgan, it's the culmination of his family's American dream. After fighting for his country, the wounded war hero has embarked on a new journey, raising a family. Now, thanks to a generous community, they'll enjoy a brand new home. We are excited to have a house that we can raise our family in, said a grateful Morgan. As he and his family turned the corner in their white SUV, they were home. A moment shared by hundreds of others during a special move-in ceremony Saturday, which was months in the making. We are thrilled now to really put down roots, we've been renting, we had an apartment before that. We are learning just how awesome this community is, said Morgan. Corporal Morgan lost both legs and the sight in one of his eyes to an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) blast while fighting in Iraq. He was selected by Homes for our Troops to receive a custom built home, specially designed for him and his family, free of charge. On Saturday, Morgan received the keys to his house and unlocked a new chapter in his family's life. What we got is a mansion, a pool, some of these feature are luxurious, Morgan said. Everybody wanted to do the best that they could do. If you have gone through the house, it's pretty over-the-top. It's not just what they could, it's what they wanted to do, said home builder Dave Packer. Nine months ago, crews broke ground on the Morgan house in southwest Bakersfield. Most of the work on this house was by volunteers, from sub-contractors to citizen patriots, to baseball teams and individuals who bought into the cause. The finished product is a beautiful 2200 squarefoot home, with three bedrooms, two baths, a swimming pool and a playground for the Morgan's young daughter Sophie. We just have the highest hopes for the future, to have this beautiful, home and to not to have to pay a mortgage on it. Amazing. Awesome, mareveled Morgan. With the Thanksgiving holiday right around the corner, Morgan, his wife Julian and young daughter Sophie, say they'll have a lot to be thankful for; a new home, a new life. All thanks to many giving hearts.

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