Army SFC Aaron Cornelius

ElLington, FL

On April 10, 2008, during his third combat deployment, Army Sergeant First Class Aaron Cornelius was serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Alpha Company, 4-64th Armor, 3rd Infantry Division in Al Rashid, Iraq when he was injured in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast. He sustained severe damage from shrapnel to his eyes, face, and head, causing blindness.

Airlifted to Landstuhl, Germany, Aaron underwent multiple surgeries to address an aneurysm and skull damage before he was transported stateside to Walter Reed Medical Center. He spent numerous months in a blind rehabilitation center relearning practical daily and mobility skills to help transition to day-to-day life without sight.

A proud father of five adult daughters, Aaron lives in Florida and enjoys spending time with his grandchildren. He finds music to be therapeutic and works locally as a disc jockey. Aaron’s current non-adapted house poses significant safety issues with narrow hallways and a traditional floor plan. He has trouble navigating from room to room, often bumping into walls.

A specially adapted custom home from Homes For Our Troops with an open floor plan, wider halls and doorways, and automatic door openers will allow Aaron to be more independent, and more importantly, provide a safe environment. “Security is one of the biggest things I’m looking forward to in my HFOT home,” says Aaron. “No one should feel unsafe in their own home.”

Aaron is choosing to build his home in Florida to be near his family.

Aaron extends his deepest gratitude to HFOT donors and supporters. “Thank you for showing care and compassion for the individuals who have served our country—every donation counts.”

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