New Home for Local Soldier

Community builds home for Sgt. Forrest Perez

Updated: Saturday, 18 Jun 2011, 9:47 PM CDT
Published : Saturday, 18 Jun 2011, 6:57 PM CDT

KESHENA - Saturday marked a new beginning for former Army Sergeant Forrest Perez of Keshena.

The community came together to rebuild him a home after he was severely injured in a hit and run accident near his base in North Carolina last September.

After more than a month of hard work, a new 1,300 square foot, wheelchair accessible home is complete for Sergeant Forrest Perez and his fiancée Heather Koppman.

"Can't wait to move in and start living in it everyday, and having our own space, it's exciting," said Koppman.

And Perez feels the same way.

"Excited," Perez said.

After spending a few months in the hospital, Perez returned to his parent's home.

His accident left him with spinal and brain injuries that forced him to use a wheelchair.

For months, he and 10 other family members lived in his parents' house.

But once his story got out, family, along with organizations like Rebuilding Together and Heroes at Home, started planning, resulting in the dedication of a new home for Perez next to his parents’ home.

Coordinators say since breaking ground early last month, crews have been out everyday to build the home.

They say at least 200 people volunteered their time to help make this happen.

"This is the most emotional project I have ever worked on," said Mark Bonovetz, President of Rebuilding Together of Greater Green Bay. "It's an honor, and it's a privilege to be able to do this for somebody who took time out of his life to serve our country and serve it proudly."

And the Perez family is grateful for the community effort.

"When this project first started, I felt like we were a very small family from Keshena, and now, look at all the family we have now," said Perez's Aunt, Amy Perez.

"There are a lot of people that were involved and I'm so grateful to everyone," said Perez's mom, Lynnell Perez. "So thank you everybody for helping."

Perez and his fiancée may still have to decorate, but they say now, they can concentrate on his road to recovery, and ultimately begin a new chapter in their lives.

"It's time to get married next year, and start our family, and have our own little family," Koppman said.

Despite the fact doctors told Perez he would never walk again, family says he took 12 steps at physical therapy a few days ago.