It may have been one of the coldest days of the year so far, but that didn’t stop over a hundred people from coming out to give Army SPC Marco Solt, and his family, a warm welcome home. The BATC Foundation with partners Home for Our Troops and build partner Accent Homes handed over a mortgage free specially adapted home to the Solt family during a very special key ceremony.
Veterans, BATC members, volunteers, donors, and several other organizations were there to line the street as Marco and his family were escorted to their beautiful new home in Ramsey. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken were also in attendance and gave a special thank you to the new homeowners.
Marco lost both his legs below the knee in Afghanistan when his unit’s vehicle hit an IED. Throughout the key ceremony friends, family, and even Senator Klobuchar who met Solt while he was recovering in D.C. noted that he has always maintained his bright and optimistic attitude.
“Something I’ll never forget. I was having a bad day and I thought I’ll go over there and meet some of our injured troops, and Marco was so optimistic. He said, I’ve lost my legs, but I’ve got my life in front of me,” said Senator Amy Klobuchar.
The Solt’s new home features over 40 special adaptations including widened doorways, lowered countertops, roll-under cook tops and sinks designed to ensure full wheelchair accessibility. The public was invited to tour the home after the keys had been handed over.
“We are so excited, I’m at a loss for words, not only does this mean a lot to me, but it means a lot to all veterans. It shows them that there are people out there that support them,” said Marco Solt.
Construction on the home started back in May. Since then, hundreds have volunteered at the site and have offered to help any way that they could. Thank you to build partner Accent Homes and all our amazing BATC members who donated their materials and time to this project.
To say the Solt family was excited to get settled into their stunning new home would be an understatement, their moving trucks arrived just after the key ceremony. Their two-year old son Devin was eager to have his first meal at the home, and enjoyed lunch right on the living room floor. Marco said they have much to be thankful this year and will enjoy their cozy new home just in time for the holidays. The Solt family will soon prepare for one more, as they are expecting a baby boy due this March.
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