In the year 2000, Timothy Birckhead enlisted in the Navy after graduating from high school in Philadelphia. He served three years sailing overseas on the USS Iwo Jima as an air-launched weapons technician. He knew he had found his place in the world and extended his service. In 2006, he began experiencing pain and weakness in his legs, very unusual given he was an athlete, a runner on his high school track team. Birckhead knew he was in trouble when he was not able to pass the Navy's Physical Readiness Test. In 2007 he had to go through the heartbreak of leaving his home and team in the Navy.

He was finally diagnosed in 2009 with a disease that most of us don't know about. It is called Hereditary Neuropathy with Liability to Pressure Palsies and affects the sensory and motor nerves. He now uses a wheelchair most of the time and with the help of a very loving family, is managing his life. Unfortunately, with this kind of condition, it is extremely difficult to achieve any independence in a normal setting.

Fast forward to present day, in steps Homes for Our Troops (HFOT). They are building him a specially adapted home in Mullica, N.J. near to his family and church. His mom, Gloria says, "A new specially adapted home from Homes for Our Troops will give Tim quality of life beyond measure. It will be a blessing for him to do things on his own and set goals."

So where does Whoopi fit in? Timothy was featured on The View and will be following the project as it progresses. The View has teamed up with the Home Depot Foundation and plan to furnish the entire home for Timothy. What a great way to honor these brave people who have served our country. These stories inspire us and urge us to raise funds for HFOT. To learn more about HFOT and Tim's story visit: http://www.hfotusa.org/birckhead. To see Timothy's segment on The View, click here.

Arteeni's mission is to promote American artisans and support our charity partners by donating a portion of each sale. For more information about Homes for Our Troops or to select them as your designated cause, click here.