With construction under way for the handicapped-accessible house for wounded warrior Chaz Allen and family, West Point is getting involved and is hoping to help the family raise money to offset the high cost of the home.The volunteer initiative called 9-Line is spearheaded by officers at West Point and seeks to help wounded warriors in getting handicapped-accessible homes. Military officials hope the community will get behind their initiative and be part of the Allens’ new home.“One hundred percent of the contributions go to help build our home,” said Jessica Allen, Chaz’s wife. Jessica was born and raised in Warren County and is happy the family has chosen to settle back in her hometown after her husband’s retirement from the U.S. Army.A veteran of Iraq, Kosovo and Korea, Staff Sgt. Allen was on dismounted patrol in the Zhari district in Afghanistan when he stepped on a 40-pound IED. He instantly lost both legs, one above the knee, one below, and the blast took pieces of his elbow.
Home for a hero
Allen house under construction