A welcome home ceremony was held last week for retired Specialist Robert Buck, a decorated Army combat engineer and wounded warrior. The event, hosted by the Texas-based nonprofit Helping a Hero, celebrated Buck’s service, sacrifice, and resilience as he moved into his new, specially adapted home.
The ceremony took place at Buck’s new home in Parkville, where family, friends, veterans, and community members gathered to honor his journey. Buck, who sustained life-altering injuries during a 2005 IED attack in Mosul, Iraq, has demonstrated remarkable resilience and a dedication to serving others through his volunteer work on behalf of fellow veterans.
Buck enlisted in the Army to defend America from terrorism. He became a combat engineer and completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood. In October 2004, Buck deployed to Mosul, Iraq, where he performed the often-deadly job of route clearance and detonating IEDs. On May 22, 2005, his Humvee struck an IED, killing two fellow soldiers and leaving Buck with burns on almost half of his body. Miraculously, he survived.
After undergoing countless surgeries at Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC, now SAMMC), Buck retired in 2006. Despite his injuries, which affect his mobility, he has continued to dedicate himself to helping others. He and his wife, Janie, moved back to Kansas City, where he reconnected with his battle buddy, Army veteran Vinnie Morales. Morales, who served five tours of duty in the Army, was in the convoy during the attack that injured Robert.
Morales founded the Veteran’s Community Project (VCP), which builds tiny homes for veterans struggling with addiction and homelessness. Inspired by Buck’s spirit of service, Morales nominated him for a Helping a Hero home.
Meredith Iler, founder of the Helping a Hero Homes Program, shared her admiration.
“Robert Buck embodies the courage, resilience, and service we strive to honor through our program,” Iler said. “This home is more than bricks and mortar — it’s a symbol of gratitude for his sacrifice and a commitment to ensuring he has the tools to thrive. Together, we are changing lives and showing our heroes that America stands with them.”
Helping a Hero, a nonprofit dedicated to providing specially adapted homes for severely wounded veterans, has helped more than 200 heroes in 27 states rebuild their lives with accessible housing. These homes are customized to meet each recipient’s unique needs, offering independence and comfort.
Buck’s new home was made possible through Helping a Hero’s mission, supported by donors, community members, and national initiatives such as the 100 Homes Challenge. Spearheaded by Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops, this initiative pledges 25 percent of the cost for the next 100 homes, inviting individuals and businesses to join in honoring post-9/11 wounded warriors.
The holiday-themed ceremony had a festive atmosphere, with attendees dressed in Christmas attire and bringing gift cards to welcome Robert and Janie to their new home. The couple had learned of the home’s completion at a Bass Pro Shops Christmas party on Dec. 12, where Helping a Hero and Johnny Morris surprised them with the announcement.
Buck expressed his gratitude during the ceremony.
“This is more than a house — it’s a place where we can create new memories, heal, and build a future,” Buck said. “We’re overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of everyone who came together to make this dream come true.”
In addition to building adapted homes, Helping a Hero offers programs like marriage and caregiver retreats, recreational activities, and emergency needs grants. This holistic approach helps veterans and their families navigate the challenges of life after service.
Helping a Hero is calling on individuals and businesses to contribute to its mission of building specially adapted homes for wounded veterans.
“Every donation, no matter the size, directly impacts the lives of these courageous heroes,” Iler said. “We hope to rally even more supporters to help our heroes live with dignity and purpose.”
To learn more about Helping a Hero or to donate, visit helpingahero.org. Wounded warriors in need of adaptive housing are also encouraged to apply for the program through the website.