Nonprofit builds home in Punta Gorda for veteran wounded in Iraq War

An Iraq War veteran injured overseas now has a new place to call home.

A nonprofit thanked veteran Jonathon Replogle Thursday for his service with a new home in Punta Gorda.

“It took a minute. It’s incredible,” Replogle said. “I mean, the house is beautiful, not a detail missed. It’s very impressive, and I’m beyond humbled and grateful to be able to call it home.”

Nonprofit Building Homes for Heroes opens new doors for hundreds of deserving veterans.

“Us providing a safe home where they can continue to heal and move on with your lives, it’s the most important thing in the world,” said Kim Valdyke, the director of construction for Building Homes for Heroes.

Replogle is a U.S. Army veteran who went to Iraq. He might look like he’s in good shape, but underneath his polo and jeans are wounds that will never completely heal.

“My convoy was attacked in the middle of the night. I spent two weeks in a coma. I had to learn how to walk and talk again,” Replogle said. “My parents were on the side of the bed, and I didn’t know who they were. I didn’t know where I had been, what had happened. It was almost like I didn’t exist for two weeks.”

“It’s been a difficult journey, but Jon is a winner,” said Melissa Replogle, Jonathon’s mother. “He’s a very strong young man.”

For 16 years, Replogle worked to recover. Every day has been a gift for him to never take for granted.

Replogle told us Building Homes for Heroes are the real heroes. He also said veterans who might be struggling need to ask for help. Had he not done that, he never would have received his new home.

“I get to wake up every morning and look at that beautiful sun and to live in this house,” Replogle said. “It’s going to take a little while to set in. This house is incredible. They did an amazing job.”