Wounded Marine gets new home filled with inspiring messages

LEAGUE CITY, TX (KTRK) -- There are dozens of notes written inside a home being built in League City, in some cases from strangers who do not know those moving into the home.

"You are a Superhero!"

"Thank you for all you've done for our country."

"Welcome Home!"

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A wounded Marine veteran and his family took a look at their new home being built and found many inspiring messages.

KTRK/Kevin Quinn

Neighbors who have yet to meet wounded Marine Corps Veteran Cpt. Jonathan Dowdell have now signed the studs inside the home being built for and donated to him and his family.

Dowdell was wounded in Afghanistan in 2010. He stepped on an IED which led to both of his legs being amputated above the knee.

The inspirational messages will remain as drywall is added and the home is completed.

"It just sends cold chills up the end of your spine," said Lee Kirgan, who is with "Operation Finally Home". The organization, combined with Harbour Classic Builders, is providing Dowdell and his family with the custom-built, mortgage-free home.

"It leaves me speechless. Honestly, It's not what I was expecting at all," Dowdel said.

Some of the notes were even written by students at the school which his 11 year old daughter attends.

Dowdell's wife is appreciative as well. "It makes me feel proud of him -- as a wife, it's like -- you guys see what I see too! It's amazing!" said Rebecca Dowdell.

Cpt. Dowdell, though takes issue with some of the notes which refer to him as a hero. "The heroes are the ones that never did make it home, who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Those are the ones I really consider heroes. I don't really consider myself a hero," said Dowdell.

The home should be complete and ready for them to move in this January.

"Operation Finally Home" is a nonprofit which has been building homes for wounded veterans across the country for over a decade.

For more on them, visit: operationfinallyhome.org