Wounded veteran receives new home, new life in Mattapoisett

MATTAPOISETT — U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Rebecca Mann was stepping off a military vehicle while serving in Afghanistan in 2014 when she injured her foot. 

She had exited vehicles “a million times before.’’ But, as she learned, “it only takes one little thing’’ to cause an injury that can lead to life-altering consequences.

Mann admits she stubbornly “pushed through’’ the damage to her right foot. That only caused her condition to worsen. In 2017, her right foot was amputated.  

Subsequent vascular issues eventually forced the amputation of both legs, below her knees.

She continues to struggle with vascular problems and other complications. “It hasn’t been an easy road.’’

But she will soon find some comfort amid the ongoing trauma in a Mattapoisett home built specifically for her needs. 

The home will be built with the support of Homes For Our Troops, a Taunton-based organization that builds custom-designed homes for veterans severely injured in post-Sept. 11 service. The organization is funded by support from individuals and corporations.

Homes For Our Troops has never worked on a home in Mattapoisett before, said Teresa Verity, marketing associate for Homes for Our Troops. They have constructed dwellings across the country, with the closest locations in Freetown and Middleboro.

But when they learned about available land in Mattapoisett, and considering that Mann has family on Cape Cod, the setting made sense, Verity said.

Construction is expected to start in the fall.

The home, Mann enthusiastically reports, will be a “game changer.’’ 

Cabinets are lower than traditional placements, allowing her to access them easily. The home has no thresholds, which makes maneuvering from room to room, and from inside to outside, much more tenable. 

“It’s an easy roll from inside to outside,’’ where she said she looks forward to spending time with her dog. “It’s going to be a game changer for sure. My daily life is going to improve substantially.’’

The new home “allows me to live my life, regardless of how I’m feeling that day.’’

Mann, a native of New York, looks forward to living in Mattapoisett.  “It’s such a cute little town.’’

She thanked all those who support Homes for our Troops. “I’m incredibly humbled,’’ she said. “It’s such a huge gift.’’

But Verity said the gift has been more than earned. “These are veterans who served and sacrificed for us. We feel it’s our duty to provide custom-built homes. It’s the least we can do for them.’’

For more information on Homes for our Troops, visit https://www.hfotusa.org/.