There was literally not a dry eye in the house last week when a wounded Army Ranger received a well-deserved thank you for his service.
Touching footage shows the moment retired U.S. Army Sergeant Joshua Hargis and his family first walk into their brand new, mortgage-free home in Nolensville, Tennessee. Gary Sinise Foundation.
“There is no other man like him that I could trust with my life.”
“This is insane,” Hargis, one of his two young sons with wife Taylor, said before breaking down in tears.
Hargis, a K-9 handler with the 75th Ranger Regiment, said he was “absolutely blown away” when he first saw the house.
During Hargis' fourth deployment to Afghanistan, his team was ambushed while carrying out routine operations. Four members of his unit were killed, along with his K-9 companion, Johnny. Hargis lost both of his legs during a dangerous encounter while rescuing a fellow ranger in a minefield.
“During a night raid, we were drawn into an area littered with buried IEDs (improvised explosive devices) and the targets were wearing explosive vests hidden under their clothing,” Hargis said. explain.
Hargis learned just a week ago that his wife was pregnant with their first child. After sustaining a life-changing injury, his joy at becoming a father turned to anxiety.
“I really wanted to go back to my wife and unborn child, but I was afraid to face her broken state,” Hargis said.
That anxiety disappeared the moment we met again.
“When the ambulance door opened and she rushed to be by my side, my fears and anxieties were washed away. There was never a moment when I didn't give it to you.”
Hargis' friend, U.S. Army Ranger Spencer Cox, said he was not surprised by his fellow ranger's bravery.
“Joshua is that kind of person. He is the most selfless person I have ever had the privilege of working with.
“His tireless work ethic, spirit, soul and love for his family are truly remarkable,” Cox continued. “There is no other man like him that I would trust with my life. I know that Joshua can handle and succeed in any environment, no matter what is thrown at him.”
The family's new custom home will provide a more accessible environment for Purple Heart recipients than their previous two-story home.
Mr. Hargis said the added independence the home would give him would help him become a better husband and father.
“It means a lot to our family. It's spiritual, it's emotional, it's the freedom to be able to bond a little bit better as a family. All the little things in that house. Every detail has made it easier, not just for me, but for my wife to raise our two boys, which is a huge blessing.”
The Gary Sinise Foundation worked with many partners to build this home. Sunbelt Rentals, owens corning, Kaizan Compressor USAand LP construction solutions for professionals.
“I want them to know that we have never forgotten,” said Sinise, an actor and musician who founded the foundation in 2011 to support veterans, first responders and their families. say. “I'm a grateful American, and I want them to know that, and I want to be someone who can mobilize support from across the country.”
Watch an emotional video of the Hargis family seeing their new home for the first time. here.
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