FAIRBORN -- As we celebrate our country's freedom this 4th of July, a reminder that the freedom we enjoy is not at all free. A local Marine, who was badly injured while serving our country several years ago, celebrates this year's fourth in a home made just for him through a program that helps our troops injured in war.
"Hi there beautiful, say hi," coos Larry Draughn to his newborn daughter, a Dad in love with his family and a former Marine home safe and sound with the people he loves most, his family.
In 2009, Larry Draughn had both lower legs amputated after he was hit by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan.
"You just have to be willing to accept that challenges and be willing to overcome them as they come along," said Draughn whose prosthetics get him around for the most part.
"Just being able to come out of prosthetics and be in a wheelchair and still being able to interact with my family has been awesome."
Their Fairborn home was custom made just for Larry. Homes For Our Troops made it happen nearly two years ago, all free of charge. The Massachusetts non-profit construct homes for service members who are injured while serving. The Draughn's were a prime candidate.
"They've done awesome things for our family and other families, giving them the opportunity to have the freedom with the new life these wounded warriors are dealing with," said Draughn.
"Life's been great, we haven't had to worry about a house. We've actually been able to enjoy things as a family. And not have to stress over anything."
And life is busy. Garon is a busy-body at nearly five and little Addison is just three months.
For the Draughns, every patriotic holiday is important. Larry says the fourth of July really symbolizes why he and the rest of the troops fight.
"There should never be a day that goes by that you shouldn't be patriotic and support it, but it's just nice to have another holiday that we can remember them all and celebrate our country's freedom, and show our great support to this country and the flag that flies over it," said Draughn who will be thinking of those lost and those still serving, while he celebrates at home with those he loves most.
"Hi there beautiful, say hi," coos Larry Draughn to his newborn daughter, a Dad in love with his family and a former Marine home safe and sound with the people he loves most, his family.
In 2009, Larry Draughn had both lower legs amputated after he was hit by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan.
"You just have to be willing to accept that challenges and be willing to overcome them as they come along," said Draughn whose prosthetics get him around for the most part.
"Just being able to come out of prosthetics and be in a wheelchair and still being able to interact with my family has been awesome."
Their Fairborn home was custom made just for Larry. Homes For Our Troops made it happen nearly two years ago, all free of charge. The Massachusetts non-profit construct homes for service members who are injured while serving. The Draughn's were a prime candidate.
"They've done awesome things for our family and other families, giving them the opportunity to have the freedom with the new life these wounded warriors are dealing with," said Draughn.
"Life's been great, we haven't had to worry about a house. We've actually been able to enjoy things as a family. And not have to stress over anything."
And life is busy. Garon is a busy-body at nearly five and little Addison is just three months.
For the Draughns, every patriotic holiday is important. Larry says the fourth of July really symbolizes why he and the rest of the troops fight.
"There should never be a day that goes by that you shouldn't be patriotic and support it, but it's just nice to have another holiday that we can remember them all and celebrate our country's freedom, and show our great support to this country and the flag that flies over it," said Draughn who will be thinking of those lost and those still serving, while he celebrates at home with those he loves most.