MORGAN’S POINT RESORT, Texas - A small group of soldiers from across the 41st Fires Brigade march down a residential street in Morgan’s Point Resort, Texas, while still more soldiers line one side of the street holding American flags, Feb. 9. The group is lead by 1st Sgt. Jeremy Hall, of Battery A, 26th Field Artillery Regiment (Target Acquisition Battery), 41st Fires Bde. as they lead a procession of Patriot Guard, fire trucks from Belton and Morgan’s Point Resort, and a police escort from both towns as well.
The parade and following ribbon cutting ceremony were held in honor of Marine Staff Sgt. Jack Pierce who received the keys to a new home. Pierce was left paralyzed from the chest down after his vehicle drove over a 300-pound bomb in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Jan. 9, 2010. Through a charity organization called Homes for our Troops, the Pierce family received a house was built to allow Jack the freedom of movement allowing him to live more independently.
Many of the Rail Gunners participating in the ceremony volunteered time to help create the landscaping for the Pierce home.
“It is extremely rewarding to see all of these people and city come together to take care of this Marine and his family,” said Sgt. 1st Class Elbert Powell from Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 41st Fires Bde. In September of 2012 Powell helped put in the landscaping around the Pierce’s new home. “I felt good knowing that I was able to help.”
The building of the house was started June 15, 2012. The family is now able to move into the newly completed house.
"This home it means a lot to us. Number one, I can access everything. I can get to the cabinets, I can get to the sink, I can utilize the stove without burning my arms or my hands," said Pierce after cutting the ribbon.