ABC's THE VIEW Teams with HOMES FOR OUR TROOPS to Provide a Home for a Disabled Veteran

One of the most important Hot Topics is the service men and women who risk their lives to protect our freedom ... and the call of duty to take care of our vets upon their return from service. On WEDNESDAY, JULY 26, Whoopi Goldberg and Sara Haines are on hand as ABC's "The View" unveils a brand new, fully furnished, specially adapted home for disabled veteran PO2 Tim Birckhead. Built by Homes For Our Troops and interiors designed by lifestyle expert and TV host Carter Oosterhouse with help from The Home Depot Foundation and The Home Depot's décor team, we're pulling off the surprise of a lifetime for one deserving veteran and his family.

The town of Mullica Hill, New Jersey, gathers to welcome Birckhead along with his mother/caretaker Gloria and Tim's 12-year-old daughter Tamyja to their new home with a hero's homecoming parade, including local police and fire departments and veterans with the National Anthem performed by Roc Nation Latin recording artist and "American Idol" finalist Karen Rodriguez. Petty Officer Birckhead has no idea what is in store for him, especially when his idol Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry pays him a visit. Even more surprises are in store including a special gift for his daughter and a gift that will change Birckhead's life.

Birckhead was serving his second tour of duty in 2006 when he unable to pass his physical readiness test. After consulting with the Navy's medical unit and weeks of physical therapy, he found no relief or improvement. As a former athlete in high school and a runner on the track team, P02 Birckhead knew his health was failing. In 2007, he was forced to separate from the Navy, relinquishing the job and teammates he had come to love and respect over his seven years of service. In October 2009, two years after his military separation, Birckhead was later diagnosed with hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP), a progressive disease which affects sensory and motor nerves.

Over a year ago, Birckhead received life-changing news when nonprofit organization Homes For Our Troops had accepted him into their program. This past November, "The View" introduced his story and announced the show would design and furnish his entire dream home - floor to ceiling, inside and out. Now with over 40 adaptations with smart home technology, Birckhead will live a more independent life.

Season 20 of "The View" (11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. ET) is the place to be heard and promises a stellar lineup of the hottest topics and celebrities, politicians and newsmakers, and so much more. Delivering live broadcasts five days a week, our dynamic team of panelists is led by moderator Whoopi Goldberg with co-hosts Joy Behar, Paula Faris, Sara Haines, Jedediah Bila and Sunny Hostin. Hilary Estey McLoughlin serves as senior executive producer. Candi Carter is executive producer, and Brian Teta is co-executive producer. "The View" is directed by Sarah de la O.

For breaking news and updated videos, follow "The View" (@theview) and Whoopi Goldberg (@whoopigoldberg), Joy Behar (@joyvbehar), Paula Faris (@paulafaris), Sara Haines (@sarahaines), Jedediah Bila (@jedediahbila) and Sunny Hostin (@sunny) on Twitter.

Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) is a privately funded 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that builds and donates specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post - 9/11 Veterans, to enable them to rebuild their lives. Most of these Veterans have sustained injuries including multiple limb amputations, partial or full paralysis, and/or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). These homes restore some of the freedom and independence our Veterans sacrificed while defending our country, and enable them to focus on their family, recovery, and rebuilding their lives. Since its inception in 2004, nearly 90 cents of every dollar has gone directly to our program services for Veterans. HFOT builds these homes where the Veteran chooses to live, and continues its relationship with the Veterans after home delivery to assist them with rebuilding their lives.

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