Hawkinsville Double Amputee Veterans Ready For New Homes

HAWKINSVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Two double amputee veterans are about to get a life-changing experience this weekend in Hawkinsville.

Tony Mullis, a 23 year-old marine veteran will get the keys to his brand new home, built exclusively for him and his family by Homes for Our Troops. Mullis is a Hawkinsville native who lost both his legs while serving in Afghanistan when he was only 20 years old.

Mullis’ best friend, Michael Boucher is about to get an equally life changing experience. Boucher is also a double amputee and marine veteran. He will officially break ground on his new home, which sits next door to the new Mullis home. Boucher’s house is also being built by Homes for Our Troops.

Both men served as Corporals for the Marine Corps when they were injured. Boucher is a native of Athens, but decided he could make a life for himself just as well if he lived next door to his best friend in Hawkinsville.

Mullis, his wife and two year-old son will begin to move in their belongings Saturday after the ceremony and get the chance to sleep under a brand new roof for the first time.  A roof that Mullis says he can’t believe he didn’t have to pay for, and is the first thing he can claim he owns.

“It means a lot to me, because I’ve never owned anything like a home, or really had anything to say this is mine. But most importantly, I needed a place that was nice enough to raise my family in,” Mullis said.

Mullis’ home comes complete with everything to make life as easy as possible for him and his family. Counter-tops in the kitchen and bathroom are wheelchair accessible. The shower is a walk-in and has a bench in it. The doors come complete with a button to open them so Mullis doesn’t have to try and pull it open or closed, and he can roll through with his wheelchair without a problem. The open floor plan design is all one level so Mullis no longer needs to worry about stairs.

The ceremonies will take place Saturday morning at 10:00 in Hawkinsville on Fetchman Road.

To learn more about Tony and Michael’s story and Homes for Our Troops, click here.