The lead prosthetist at Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD), Nathaniel “Randell” Leoncio, was presented with a custom home in Escondido, California, from Homes For Our Troops. The nonprofit organization’s goal is to enable severely injured post-9/11 veterans to reconstitute their lives by building and donating specially adapted custom homes. Leoncio had a transfemoral amputation while serving in Iraq after a roadside bomb exploded under his vehicle.
“I have no recollection of the 2005 event but was told that I was partially ejected and one of the Humvee’s door landed on my leg,” Leoncio said.
Leoncio’s road to recovery brought him to NMCSD as a patient. Now, as the lead prosthetist, he helps others adapt to losing a limb.
“One may not fully comprehend the impact that the loss of a limb can have on a person’s functionality,” Leoncio said.
“I can’t think of anything more rewarding than to play a direct role in the delivery of exceptional rehabilitative care to those who wear our nation’s cloth.
“It’s humbling to be honored by having a custom home built for me and my family, and while I can say that the special configurations of this amazing home abounds with builder’s quality, it’s the caring gesture on the part of Homes For Our Troops and its partners that truly touches the soul.”
Editor’s note: This story was adapted from materials provided by the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS).
