Naval Medical Center San Diego’s lead prosthetist, Nathaniel “Randell” Leoncio, was presented with a custom home in Escondido, Calif., from the Homes For Our Troops non-profit organization, 24 Aug.
With the goal of enabling severely injured post-9/11 veterans to reconstitute their lives by building and donating specially adapted custom homes nationwide, Homes For Our Troops presented Leoncio with more than just a brick and mortar structure.
“One may not fully comprehend the impact that the loss of a limb can have on a person’s functionality,” explains Leoncio.
Leoncio lost his leg in Ramadi, 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,” says Leoncio.
The road to recovery for Leoncio brought him to NMCSD where not only is he a patient; but, as the lead prosthetist Leoncio has helped countless others with adapting to a new reality upon losing a limb.
“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,” expresses Leoncio.
For Homes For Our Troops, they seamlessly transformed the caregiver to receiver.
“From day one I have benefitted from the dedication, commitment, support of so many – never asking for nothing, yet you can’t turn a corner without someone wanting to make your life a bit easier,” says Leoncio. "We are so grateful for that."
“It 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,” says Leoncio.
The move continues for the Leoncios who have not had a move in years.
“One unexpected outcome from the move that we have spread throughout the course of a few weeks is that it reminds you of a PCS move. We miss the adventurous nature of a PCS move, but we’re also ready to permanently settle into a place that is fitted for all of our needs,” adds Leoncio.
The mission of NMCSD is to prepare service members to deploy in support of operational forces, deliver high quality health care services, and shape the future of military medicine through education, training, and research.
NMCSD employs more than 5,000 active-duty military personnel, civilians and contractors in southern California to provide patients with world-class care. Anchored in Excellence, Committed to Health!
Story originally posted on DVIDS:
NMCSD Lead Prosthetist presented with custom, adaptive home