On one of the worst days of her life, Arielle Carroll-Pierson still found a reason to be thankful. On one of the best days of her life, her gratitude was indescribable. Carroll-Pierson, 20, is the wife of SPC Frank Pierson, an Iraq War veteran who lost both his legs in a roadside ambush in 2008. The couple had been married less than a year— during nearly half of which Pierson was gone on deployment—when the attack occurred. “When I first got the call, I didn’t cry but I thought 'Why is God putting us through this?'" Carroll-Pierson said. “Then I realized God wouldn’t put us through anything more than we couldn’t handle. Frank lost his legs, but at least he didn’t lose his life.” Twenty-six months later, Pierson has learned to walk on prosthetic legs and the couple is preparing to step into their new life in Plainfield, thanks to the efforts of Homes For Our Troops, a volunteer organization that builds homes for severely injured American soldiers. Work on the Piersons’ new home at 25107 Island Drive began May 21, with more than 50 contractors, tradesmen and other volunteers putting up the walls, roof, windows and doors. By May 23, most of the exterior was complete, with the remaining work to be completed by separate contractor and more volunteers over the next 60 to 120 days. The couple, who live in Cicero with Carroll-Pierson’s mother, commuted daily to attend the build. Their first day they were given an escort to the site by Operation Welcome You Home Illinois, a Plainfield group that welcomes returning troops back into the community. “It feels so great, I really can’t describe it,” Carroll-Pierson said. “Every day we went in and something changed. Every day it felt more like home.” Shellie Fox of the Motorcycle American Veterans Motorcycle Association came out all the way from Worth to help with the project. She said it was an honor to be involved. “I’d do it again in a heartbeat,” Fox said. “I’d travel to do it.” Another volunteer, this one a 12-year-old boy, came from Highland Park with his mother to meet Pierson and be part of the project, Carroll-Pierson said. In addition to the volunteers’ sweat equity, several local businesses donated material, equipment and food for the three-day build. It’s all in day’s work for Larry Archer, a project manager for Homes For Our Troops. The organization has built 57 homes since 2004 and is in the process of putting up 43 more. The outpouring of love and support hasn’t been lost on the Piersons, who considered themselves blessed even on the day of the attack. Pierson, now 22, was driving the lead truck in a convoy when the vehicle was struck by an electronically fired projectile. All five of the truck’s crew survived the blast. “Angels were watching over him,” Carroll-Pierson said. “The medic was there when it happened so he was treated quicker than normal. The bomb that hit him came in at the wrong angle so it didn’t kill him. We were all really lucky the way it turned out.” The Piersons hope to move in later this year. He plans to attend school for training in automotive electronics and upholstery. She plans on starting her career as a vet tech. They both hope to keep in contact with the new friends they’ve made over the last few days and weeks. “It just warms your heart,” Carroll-Pierson said. “You know that there’s great people in the world though you don’t always meet them. But when do, it’s just great. I hope they’ll continue to be part of our lives.” For information on Homes For Our Troops, visit homesforourtroops.org. For information on Operation Welcome You Home Illinois, visit welcomeyouhome.org.