UNION COUNTY, N.C. — Jason Schumacher is in pain from an injured back almost every day.
"It's actually strange when I'm not in pain," he told Channel 9.
He and his wife Leah met in Germany while both were serving in the U.S. Army.
Jason severely injured his back while in Afghanistan and when they came home, they tried to renovate an 1840s farm house where Leah's parents had lived.
"We kind of didn't realize the scope of the work that needed to be done," Leah said. "With Jason's injury, it was killing him. It was killing us."
The house was heated with a wood furnace. There was no central heat or air, no insulation and the floors were coming apart.
Leah reached out to Statesville-based Purple Heart Homes that was founded eight years ago by injured veterans.
The organization has helped 110 more injured veterans and their families with home remodeling and ownership.
Howard Goldberg with Purple Heart Homes explained how he feels after helping a family like the Schumachers.
"It means it's time to help another one," he said.
Purple Heart Homes is funded through donations and in this project, a grant from The Home Depot Foundation. Contractors often donate their time, expertise and building materials.
Over two months, workers transformed the Schumacher's home and it now has a new kitchen, flooring, walls, windows, insulation and a new heating and air unit. Those renovations would have cost them more than $40,000 if they were able to hire a contractor.
"It was just a big load off our shoulders, and they went above and beyond," Jason said.
"Really words can't express how grateful we are," Leah said.
A full military color guard honored the Schumachers for their service and a caring community gave them something they couldn't have on their own.
Holding back tears, Jason thanked those who gave their time, money and talent to help him, his wife and two young sons.
"The work that you've all done for us, has made a huge impact on our daily lives," he said.