SCHERTZ, Texas – Handed the key to his new home, retired Marine Sgt. Ron Sullivan smiled as well-wishers burst into applause.
"(It's) something to get me going for the rest of my life. This is the next step. It's exciting," Sullivan said.
The four-bedroom, two-bath home is the fourth of nine homes that HelpingaHero.org has committed to build in the San Antonio area, according to Meredith Iler, its national chairman and founder.
"All of these heroes find that these handicapped accessible homes give them the stability to move forward with their life," Iler said.
Based in Cypress, Texas, she said the nonprofit welcomes the public's help in keeping up with its waiting list.
Iler said for instance, Chesmar Homes and Rooms to Go have done their part to create a customized, yet comfortable home.
Sullivan said he likes to cook, so he was especially pleased with the kitchen lay-out because it suits his needs being in a wheelchair.
The house also includes wider doors, a roll-in shower and a safety path in the backyard.
Carl Quast, a building inspector for the City of Schertz, said the house is certified under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Quast said, "It was an honor to have been a part of it, to see him have a home."
For a list of recent stories Jessie Degollado has done, click here.
