Army Corporal Duane McGhghy

Temple, TX

Mission Accomplished on July 27, 2024

Duane McGhghy joined the military for a fresh start and the opportunity to grow and mature. He enlisted in the Army as an Infantryman, deploying to Iraq in 2007.

On Oct. 11, 2007, CPL McGhghy was heading back to the Forward Operation Base (FOB) after a multi-platoon patrol with D Co., 1-28 Infantry, 4th BCT, 1st Infantry Division, when his vehicle was hit by an explosively formed penetrator (EFP). CPL McGhghy lost his left leg below the knee and sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the blast.

Medically retired, Duane and his wife Cortney are proud parents to Austin, Chloe, and Oliver. They own Hey Darlin’ Plants, a pop-up plant shop. Duane enjoys riding motorcycles and skydiving. He’s found a great support network through these endeavors, inspiring him to help other Veterans find the same benefits.

A specially adapted custom home will give Duane and Cortney the time and energy to give back to other Veterans who need support. Duane cannot dedicate as much time as he would like to these pursuits because he has to cope with the obstacles in his non-adapted home. He often becomes discouraged when he cannot rest in his wheelchair because of the inaccessible layout. Receiving a single-level, open floor plan will give him the ability to rest and recover from the comfort of his wheelchair.

Growing up in Texas and Arkansas, Duane is choosing to build his home in Texas to be close to family and healthcare.

Duane and his family feel honored to be the recipients of the life-changing gift of an HFOT home. “Thank you for giving us a chance at having an easier lifestyle and for my children to see me able to get around our home comfortably and not struggle with daily tasks,” he says. “We are so excited that this will be OUR home where I can rest and easily navigate in the future.”