PFC Joshua Kelly

Oak Creek, CO

Growing up with his mother in the military for most of his life, Joshua Kelly enlisted in the Marines for the camaraderie and challenge.

On Oct. 3, 2009, during his second deployment, Private First Class Kelly, an Infantryman, was on patrol with the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, when his vehicle drove over an improvised explosive device (IED) in Gulistan, Afghanistan. He sustained damage to both legs in the blast.  After five years of attempted limb salvage, Joshua made the decision to have doctors amputate his left leg.

Medically retired, Joshua enjoys spending time with his wife, Lauren, and their two children. While Joshua leads a busy life raising a family and operating his fishing and hunting trip business, Pegleg Outdoors, he still faces daily obstacles within his home. His current residence is not adapted, so he cannot use his wheelchair, and he risks falling while balancing on one limb, especially in the bathrooms.

Receiving a specially adapted custom Homes For Our Troops home will give Joshua and his family peace of mind. The freedom and independence he will regain in the home will empower him to devote more time to doing what he loves. He looks forward to the hydrotherapy tub, which will help him recover after a long day with his active lifestyle, and being able to assist more with the kids with the spacious rooms and strategically placed grab bars.

The financial stability of the home will enable Joshua and Lauren to prepare for the future. Joshua would like to pay it forward by turning his business into a nonprofit that takes Veterans on outdoor trips to help them experience the healing properties of nature. Lauren is looking forward to being able to invest in their children’s future.

Joshua is choosing to remain in Colorado where they currently live for outdoor recreation, school systems, and proximity to hospitals.

Joshua says he is overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunity that HFOT donors and supporters have given his family. “The feeling of security will never be explained. I will be able to live a longer, better, and more comfortable life.”

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