May 22, 2013

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Reporter: AP Email

Tampa Disabled War Vet Gets Parade, New Home

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- A severely wounded Iraq war veteran is
getting a hero's homecoming -- to a specially outfitted new home in
Tampa.

Army Sgt. Joel Tavera, one of the most gravely wounded survivors
of the war, has been in the hospital for nearly four years and had
75 surgeries.

Beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, Tavera will be part of a 7-mile
processional motorcade along flag-lined streets to his new home.

The 4,200-square-foot house, built for Tavera and his parents,
includes full wheelchair accessibility, a therapy swimming pool,
and iPad-controlled electronic controls throughout the home.

The nonprofit group, Building Homes for Heroes, helped put it together.
Tavera suffered head trauma, burns, and lost sight in both of his eyes. He also lost his right leg and four fingers.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
AP-NY-11-19-11 0302EST


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