JACKSONVILLE, Fla. --  He wants to continue his service to our country for 20 more years as a motivational speaker. Tyler Southern, who went to Mandarin High School, is from a family of military service people.

Now a triple amputee, Tyler is discovering new hope in his life.  He stepped on an IED in Afghanistan in May 2010.  He lost both legs and an arm.

NEW PICTURES: Tyler Southern Procession

NEW PICTURES: Tyler Southern's House Under Construction

His attitude is beyond 100 percent positive. He had 18 more months in rehab at Walter Reed, but plans to get married in Jacksonville to his ROTC friend from high school, Ashley Statti.

PICTURES: Tyler and Ashley

Online Wedding Guest Book for Tyler and Ashley

PICTURES: Tyler and Ashley's Wedding

They will live in the St. Augustine area after rehab.

First Coast News Hero Central already has helped rally the public to build them a big wedding gift, a home specially outfitted for a severely wounded veteran.

PICTURES: Tyler and Ashley Together

The groundbreaking began Friday morning. There was an early-morning procession with Tyler to the site of the home, led by an honor guard, and a ceremony at the home site.

The non-profit group, Homes for Our Troops, is building its first house on the First Coast for Tyler and Ashley.

To volunteer: 

Contact Jennifer Fiorentino
JFiorentino@homesforourtroops.org
Marketing Manager for Projects
Homes for Our Troops
6 Main Street
Taunton, MA 02780-2733
 P: (508) 823-3300, Ext. 210
F: (508) 823-5411
www.homesforourtroops.org

MORE PICTURES:

Tyler and Ashley's Wedding Shower

Wedding Preps for Tyler and Ashley 

 

First Coast News