Stafford, Va. –– When a mortar exploded behind him, injuring his leg and ending his tour of duty with the Marines in Iraq, he didn’t think someday the community would come together to help him build a new home.
Retired Sgt. Kenny Lyon, 25, greeted those who came to County Fare Restaurant in Stafford on Monday night, thanking them each for donating $10, which got them a burger, fries and a drink. One hundred percent of the donations will go to build him a new home off U.S. 17 in Stafford County.
“This is America, and it’s to know that someone can go off a fight and then come home to see the community support one of their own,” said Lyon. “I’m not a hero or anything like that, but it’s nice to see this.”
Homes for Our Troops will organize the construction of his home, and since 2004 has been working to raise money and to coordinate building of new homes for other wounded U.S. service men and women.
All 20 tables in the mom and pop establishment were full, all with hungry patron who wanted to help Lyon.
“The hamburgers come with lettuce, tomato and onion. If you don’t like it then you can take it off,” said restaurant owner Eric Green.
Green, who’s worked with the veteran’s charity before, said his suppliers donated the food goods and materials for the charity. He specially opened his restaurant for the event, as County Fare is usually closed Monday nights.
On the walls and shelves inside the restaurant were not only country decorations and teapots, but a Marine Corps flag.
Lyon’s military friends, who were there to support him, said they felt at home.
“He is a really good guy, and he deserves this,” said Sgt. Thomas Whedbee, 25, who served with Lyons in Iraq in 2004.
When he was injured, Lyons said he remembered very little from the incident – which cost him his left leg – when he woke up in a military hospital.
After his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, he returned home to Maryland’s Eastern Shore, but decided it was not where he wanted to be.
He then moved to Virginia, to live with a friend who was also assisted by the Homes for Our Troops charity.
He served in the Marines from 2003 until his injury in 2006.
