It has been a long journey for Sgt. J.D. Williams, from fighting in a war in Afghanistan to coming home to Auburn. That journey, however, has a happy ending.

After losing both legs and an arm when he stepped on an improvised explosive device in October 2010, Williams spent two years in a Texas hospital before returning to Kentucky with his wife, Ashlee, and their daughter, Kaelyn, 3.

When Williams returned to Kentucky, he and his family got involved in the building process of a wheelchair-accessible house. From designing the home to the paint, the family picked all of it out.

The story behind this house is quite interesting.

A family friend of the Williamses contacted Meredith Iler, chairwoman and founder of Helping a Hero, a nonprofit organization that gives homes to soldiers. Iler was inspired by Williams’ story and all that he had been through, so she put together a team to build a home for the Williams family. Part of that team included Kelley Paul, wife of U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., who served as chairwoman for the project, along with Bowling Green businessman Fred Higgins.

Builders Bernie Jones and Larkin Ritter were builders on the project.

Jones was reluctant to build the house at first until he read a story about Williams in the newspaper. Jones said he knew that this is what God wanted.

Many companies and community members donated money and materials to the project, including Atmos Energy, Kenway Concrete and Scotty’s Contracting. Ashley Furniture Homestore donated the furniture and ExMark gave a lawn mower.

It is inspiring to know that this many people were involved with this project and cared enough to help Williams and his family. 

The end product was a blessing to Williams. On Saturday, Williams and his family were given the keys to the house, which sits on five acres on U.S. 31-W, in front of a crowd that gathered to honor and celebrate with him. Williams told the crowd that they had given him so much, but we would suggest that it was Williams who has given us so much through his bravery and sacrifice.

This story is special. Sgt. Williams gave all he had for this country by fighting in the war on terror. He had a long recovery from the wounds he suffered, but to be given a house sent an unmistakable message that his sacrifice was appreciated.

We are happy for him and his family and again applaud all those involved in making this house a reality.