ELYSBURG - An American hero was warmly welcomed to his new home Saturday morning.
U.S. Marine Cpl. David A. Noblit Jr., 25, a native of Herndon who lost both his legs and suffered a severe injury to his left arm in an IED blast Oct. 20, 2010, at Patrol Base Fulod, Afghanistan, was honored during a 45-minute ground-breaking ceremony at the site of his future one-story house in Heartland Village just off Route 487.
Homes for Our Troops, a non-profit organization that builds specially adapted homes for disabled veterans, sponsored the ceremony that featured remarks by Noblit, military officials, county and state government leaders and organization representatives. The program concluded with the traditional shoveling of dirt at the Marine's new home where he will live with his 25-year-old wife, Amanda, and their 4-year-old son, Cayden.
Leigh Parker, community outreach coordinator for Homes for Our Troops based in Taunton, Mass., served as master of ceremonies.
Founded in 2004, Homes for Our Troops has built 133 homes in 38 states. Noblit's home at 26 Heartland Blvd., will mark the ninth home constructed in Pennsylvania.
The mission statement for the organization is "Building homes, rebuilding lives."
"Wow," was the first reaction by Noblit as he spoke to a nice crowd of veterans, family members, friends and motorcyclists dedicated to military efforts.
Noblit, a 2007 graduate of Line Mountain High School and a son of Dana and Dave Noblit Sr., Herndon, was overwhelmed with the turnout of well wishers and thanked everyone for attending and providing support to him and his family since he suffered his devastating injuries.
He specifically praised the efforts of Homes for Our Troops, which he described as a wonderful, family-oriented group.
"Some of the veterans who served before me didn't get the same respect I did upon coming home," he said. "I want to thank my new neighbors for welcoming me to their community. I thought my life was over in 2010, but I've learned that life is never over, especially when you've been given a second chance. My message to everyone, especially veterans who have been injured in the line of duty, is to never give up."
Despite being confined to a wheelchair, Noblit still enjoys playing sled hockey on ice, fishing and hunting.
The marine, who served with the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, said his family is excited about moving into their new home, which is expected to take approximately six months to construct.
Noblit and his family are currently living with his in-laws, Pat and Bill Frank, of Selinsgrove.
Sitting in a wheelchair next to Noblit during the ceremony was Army Cpl. Jeffery Williams, who suffered disabling injuries in the line of duty Nov. 19, 2011.
Williams, who is living in a home in Huntsville, Ala., built by Homes for Our Troops, talked about how his new house has provided him with a lot of independence. He applauded the efforts of Homes for Our Troops and said wartime enemies will never diminish the determination and fight that American military personnel possess.
Williams received a loud ovation when he stated, "We are still standing."
He also drew laughter from the audience when he concluded his remarks by saying one day he hopes to join Noblit on his back porch where they'll drink a Corona.
Larry Gill, a veteran liaison with Homes for Our Troops, thanked the military escort, local police and firefighters and residents of Elysburg for providing a patriotic welcome to the community. Numerous signs supporting Noblit as an "American hero," graced the community on the weekend.
Gill, who suffered wounds in Baghdad, Iraq, during his military service and was a patient at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Washington, D.C., thanked Noblit and other disabled veterans for their dedicated service to their country and discussed their love and passion for their work. "They aren't disabled. They are enabled," he commented. "They go hunting, fishing and skiing and give all of us hope."
Lt. Col. Alexander C. Grabiec, deputy commander with the 166th Regiment, Regional Training Institute, Pennsylvania National Guard, also praised Noblit during his brief remarks and presented him with a special military coin.
Brigadier General Andrew P. Schafer, deputy commander of the 28th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania National Guard, discussed the many sacrifices veterans endure protecting the freedoms of the United States. He praised Homes for Our Troops and everyone who has helped Noblit and other disabled veterans.
Schafer concluded his talk by quoting Benjamin Franklin, "Energy and persistence will conquer all things."
Northumberland County Commissioner Stephen Bridy, of Elysburg, thanked Noblit and all veterans for their service and welcomed the Marine to his new home.
State Rep. Kurt Masser (R-107), of Elysburg, added, "Homes for Our Troops is a wonderful organization with a great cause. I want to welcome Dave (Noblit) to Elysburg. This is a great and growing community and you certainly made a grand entrance today."
State Rep. Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-108) of the Sunbury area said she was honored to be part of the program and thanked Noblit for his service.
She said, "Heroes like yourself do what is necessary so we can live free."
Harry Forbes, a representative for Gov. Tom Corbett, also offered brief remarks and Ralpho Township Supervisor Chip Wetzel warmly welcomed Noblit to the community.
The Williamsport Young Marines provided an honor guard at the program and Angela M. Nardini sang the national anthem.
The Rev. Andrew Fitch, pastor of Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Berlin, gave the invocation.
Tom Vaughn of Catawissa VFW Post 8306 presented Noblit with a $1,000 check on behalf of the post.
Volunteers and various sponsors assisted Homes for Our Troops representatives at the program by providing doughnuts, refreshments and lunch. Red T-shirts with black lettering honoring Noblit were given to spectators and participants as tokens of appreciation for attending the program.
Northumberland County Commissioner Chairman Vinny Clausi, who was in attendance, informed the media after the program that he plans to introduce a resolution at a future meeting that will exempt Noblit and his family from paying any county taxes on their new home. Clausi said he also will urge Ralpho Township and Southern Columbia Area School District officials to do the same.