Freedom remains one of our most precious gifts. Freedom to choose what we want to do, how we want to live and who we want to love. American servicemen and women fight all over the world every day to protect that gift and keep us safe in a very dangerous world. As these men and women fight to defend our freedom to shape our destiny, their own destiny is often decided in a war zone far away from home. I should know—I am one of those servicemen.

I returned home from Vietnam after sustaining serious injuries over most of my body, including the traumatic amputation of an arm and loss of an eye. I faced at least 40 major surgeries and the prospect of never walking again. I could not feed or dress myself, and my mental wounds were even more serious than my physical wounds. I was Blessed! I had a devoted wife who refused to accept my poor prognosis. My family created an atmosphere where I could heal both physically and mentally.

In my travels, I meet many servicemen and women who are returning home from war. Explosive devices have ripped away arms or legs. Traumatic injury has destroyed eyes, ears and faces. Defending our freedom has claimed promising careers and restful nights. Divorce has skyrocketed, leaving these warriors to face the battle of healing alone. I ask you to help me mend these shattered lives.

My wife, Deanna and I have prayed about creating a sanctuary on 8.8 acres of lake front property in Lake Lure, North Carolina for combat injured veterans. We will create the same healing environment that I had, a sanctuary of hope and caring. We are hoping to open Old Stone Manor and Old Seaside Manor to servicemen and women who need a "family" to help them on their journey of recovery. OSM will be a haven of healing for these hometown heroes. We desire to give these wounded warriors dignity as they acclimate to society, and encouragement as they attain freedom over their physical limitations. Old Stone Manor /Old Seaside Manor are places where healing is an attitude and recovery is a process.