News 12 at 6 o'clock / Friday, Aug. 17, 2012

APPLING, Ga. -- It's a story that made national headlines. Now, just more than one year later, a war veteran is finally getting a home.

It's been a long journey for the Gittens family. In 2007, after three tours overseas and injuries from a series of IED blasts, Sgt. First Class Sean Gittens suffered a stroke that left him paralyzed.

Last year, when Homes for Our Troops stepped in to help give the family a handicap-accessible home, complications came from the Knob Hill neighborhood where they were set to build.

Now, with a new location and a positive outlook, the Gittens family is finally moving into that home.

They're putting the final touches on the home the Gittens family thought would never come.

"It feels good to finally be here. It was a long wait, but it's well worth the wait and we're just happy now to be able to move in ... finally," said Sharon Gittens. "The family will just be able to finally call a house a home."

And for the first time, Sean is seeing his complete home.

"The hallways are wide enough for him to be able to come through in his wheelchair," Sharon said.

Equipped with a new power wheelchair, Sean tours the home designed for him.

"I'm happy. My husband will be able to have access to the entire house. It's beautiful and it's going to make life so much easier for us," Sharon said.

With a tracking system in the bedroom, Sean can easily be moved to the restroom, bathtub or roll-in shower.

"We'll be able to lower it down to take him from his bed and from his bed, we'll be able to take him straight to his bathroom," Sharon said.

The mortgage-free home was built with the help of volunteers and a lot of donations.

"I want to thank everyone who's been supporting us from day one," she said.

And one big thank you goes out to the man who wishes to remain anonymous: The man who donated the 3 acres after hearing about the Gittens family.

"He has such a big heart, he's got a caring heart. I mean, he understands and he was a veteran himself and we just appreciate him and can't think him enough," Sharon said.

And with his help, on Saturday, the house becomes a home.

"If I can move in tomorrow, I will move in tomorrow," Sharon said. "We're just so ready, ready and excited."

The key ceremony will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. The home is on the 6000 block of North Tubman Road in Appling. Everyone is welcome to attend and help them celebrate.

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