Wounded Army vet receives gift of new home

Retired Spec. Cody Nusbaum was shot 11 times, endured 75 surgeries

A retired Army veteran received the life-changing gift of a new customized home Monday in New Braunfels.

In August 2011, Cody Nusbaum was shot 11 times. He endured 75 surgeries after his return from Afghanistan and continues his rehabilitation at the Center for the Intrepid in San Antonio.

Many people thought he would never be able to walk again, but he did just that when he walked into his home for the first time.

"Words can't describe this," he said. "Half the stuff in this house I've never had before, like my own room or garage. This is going to be awesome."

The home was built by Operation Finally Home. The organization partners with local and nationwide companies to build the homes, which help wounded warriors adjust to civilian life.

Part of that adjustment is making sure the homes are built in such a way that the veteran's mobility in the home is not limited.

"(We) made sure everything was wider -- the doorways, all the entries, the closet," said chief construction designer on the project, Kyle Brant.

Nusbaum's home was the first time Brant got to volunteer to build a customized home for a veteran.

"It really feels good. I'm just so blessed to be in a position where I'm able to do this and able to get back to my community," he said.

Nusbaum's mother said the home not only represents how far her son has come in his recovery, but also the endless possibilities for his future.

"He doesn't have to live day to day anymore," Kim Nusbaum said. "He can plan, and grow, and raise a family. He can do everything here."

For a list of recent stories Cory Smith has done, click here.

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