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Local Veteran Thankful For Repaired Home

HOLLYWOOD (CBS4) -- After 6 years of service in the army, Austin Stamey came home to South Florida to live out what he thought would be happy years in his Hollywood home.

"I get out and I marry my high school sweetheart," Stamey said.

Unfortunately, Austin's wife died in 1985. His children grew up, moved away, and for the past 26 years he's been living alone.

"By myself and disabled I just threw the towel in, I gave up."

With back injuries he suffered in war and two bad legs, Austin's home began to deteriorate around him. Clutter started to build, appliances, walls, and flooring started to crack.

"It was in total disrepair," Stamey explained to CBS4's Vanessa Borge.

That's when the non-profit organization 'Rebuilding Together Broward County' came in. The organization improves the lives of veterans throughout the country. It teamed up with Sears Home for Heroes program and has been renovating Austin's entire home.

"We started with some demo work on Sunday and had over 30 volunteers to help rip out the kitchen and rip out the carpet," said Sandra Einhorn from Rebuilding Together.

They also repaired all the drywall and will lay down new tile this weekend.

"Mr. Stamey can move back in on Monday with a clean and sanitary living environment to improve his quality of life," Einhorn said.

"It's the nicest friendliest group of people I ever saw," Stamey said. It's a group of people which gave him a new house to call home.

Austin is finally being repaid for the years of service he gave to this country but t he continues to give thanks for what he has been given.

"God bless them. You can't ask for more, you cannot ask for more," Stamey said.

Rebuilding Together Broward County has helped renovate over 150 veteran's homes and 23 community centers. If you' like to help volunteer with their organization, visit their website www.rebuildingtogether.com.

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