ABC's "Extreme Makeover" Visits Ft. Hood

Wow! This week's episode of "Extreme Makeover" was very emotional and powerful. If you missed it, it's well worth viewing and you can see it by clicking on "Extreme Makeover." Besides building a new home for a couple, there were army tanks, visits to Ft. Hood, and a military wedding.

Staff Sgt. Patrick Ziegler was wounded in November of 2009 during a deadly mass shooting at Ft. Hood, Texas. There were 13 killed at this mass shooting and 32 wounded. Ziegler was shot 4 times and one of those bullets lodged in the left-side of his skull. Ziegler recalls that doctors did not think he was going to make it and referred to him as "Number 14". These unprofessional remarks in his presence only made his determination to live stronger.

Staff Sgt. Ziegler was engaged to Jessica Hansen at the time of the shooting. She was called to his bedside as doctors feared that he would not make it. Ziegler points out that he became stronger because he wanted to marry his "one and only".

A miracle happened and Staff Sgt. Ziegler not only survived, but he's walking,talking, and comprehending everything. He asked Jessica to marry him again, even though he'd been shot.

In order to surprise Staff Sgt. Ziegler and his fianc é e, ABC's "Extreme Makeover" team met military personnel near Ft. Hood and they were driven to Ft. Hood in an army tank. Ty Pennington had to be thrilled. As the "Extreme Makeover" team walked down the army tank plank to greet Staff Sgt. Ziegler, reality set in and there were loud cheers and tears everywhere.

Patrick and Jessica were sent to Las Vegas for a vacation while the "Extreme Makeover" crew worked on their new home. Patrick and Jessica had no land or home to makeover as they were living in temporary housing at the base. Land was donated by builder Dan Wallrath who founded Operation Finally Home where he works with builders across the country to help build a free home for military personnel. This was a first on "Extreme Makeover" as usually there's a home owned by the family that needs a makeover.

While "Extreme Makeover" crews were busy building Patrick and Jessica a new home, other crew members were busy planning a surprise military wedding for them. Jessica was flown to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills to meet with designer Monique Lhuillier to pick out a wedding gown. Monique Lhuillier designed wedding gowns for Jewel, Carrie Underwood, and Pink.

Guest celebrities on the show were Xzbit, and Duff Goldman was the celebrity chef called in to make the wedding cake and help with the reception.

Builder Eddie Martin from Tilson Homes was very proud to be a part of this "Extreme Makeover" and called it "a moving experience." The Texas Association of Builders also joined the crew.

CVS Pharmacy donated a state-of-the-art rehabilitation room for Patrick as well as a huge outdoor spa.

This week's episode of "Extreme Makeover" was not only a miracle for Staff Sgt. Patrick Ziegler but it was also a love story. Patrick reminded us that, "Everyday Is A Gift" with a plaque that was in their temporary home. "Extreme Makeover" made sure that these words were in their new home.

To learn more about Dan Wallrath and Operation Finally Home where you can help by donating or volunteering, please click here on Julia Bodeeb's article, "Dan Wallrath and Operation Finally Home."

To view this episode of "Extreme Makeover", just click on "Extreme Makeover".

Sources: ABC's "Extreme Makeover", February 20, 2011
Operation Finally Home