FREETOWN, MASS. (WHDH) - The sound of power tools filled the air in Freetown earlier this week.
Dozens of workers, including a few familiar faces for Patriots fans, dedicated their time to help a wounded warrior live life a little easier.
“This is incredible,” said Iraq war veteran Chris Gomes. “It gives me a chance to recover. I can push myself a little more and live without some fear in my life.”
Gomes lost his right leg while serving in the Army back in 2008, and he’s had his fair share of struggles ever since.
On Tuesday, several Patriots players traded in their playbooks for a set of instructions and put aside the weights to lug around dirt and building materials – all to help construct a new, more convenient home for this American hero.
“I know he’s going to enjoy it,” said Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler. “He most definitely deserves it. It’s a nice home and it’s gonna help him out a lot.”
Butler was one of the Patriots stars spending a rare day off at this construction site. But he didn’t think twice about pitching in.
“There’s a lot of veterans out there that need places to stay and I just say it’s a good job. And, you know, supporting our troops for protecting us and letting us be able to do what we do today in America.”
Patriots long snapper Joe Cardona, himself enlisted in the Navy, was also on hand to help.
“You can see it in his eyes and you can see it in his family that they’re really excited to be able to move in and live life without inhibitions and be able to have this beautiful home for them to have a long time into the future.”
Gomes’ new home is being built by the group,” Homes for our Troops.” The group has already constructed about 225 homes in 42 states for wounded veterans. The Purple Heart recipient’s home is being built with features to help him get around using his prosthetic and wheelchair a lot easier.
Gomes and his family should be able to move into their new home in time for the holidays.
“Being a Pats fan, it’s always nice to see them come out,” he said. “And to meet some of them and to see them get in on this project is pretty awesome.
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