We're coming up to the Super Bowl and no matter what team you are rooting for, these Patriots deserve to win. Army Sgt. Chris Gomes, an avid Patriots fan, is getting a new home, and volunteers for the project are from the team. Eight New England Patriots players turned out to help a true American patriot. "October 2008, I was hit with a roadside bomb. I lost my right leg above the knee, broke my tibia and fibula, my ankle was dislocated, muscle and nerve damage," says Gomes. We know that Homes for Our Troops has been building homes for injured veterans since 2004. The other part of the story is the volunteers that build these homes.

Chris has endured more than a dozen surgeries, yet still leave him in need of a wheelchair. Up until now, he has been unable to do the simple tasks we take for granted, going from one room to another (doorways were too narrow), going downstairs, or even being able to reach counter tops. His new home is wheelchair accessible, mortgage free, and he is totally grateful.

Malcolm Butler, Patriots cornerback, is proud to be one of those volunteers. "It's well deserved. We know they are over there, doing jobs a lot of people wouldn't go over there and do so, much respect." "Chris is very deserving of this and it's a great opportunity to get out and show our appreciation," says Patriot center, David Andrews.

Chris, his wife, and son will be able to have a family life with less stress due to the work that HFOT and these wonderful Patriots have done. For many of these veterans, the work that HFOT has done means freedom. The independence and positive energy that they provide breathe a new life into these brave folks.

Even Chris' nine year old son, Blake is excited. "I think that it's going to be great," he says. Especially for his dad, "That he'll have a better life," he adds. Chris plans on returning to school to finish his studies in counter-terrorism. We are so grateful to HFOT for their efforts and even more grateful to folks like Chris Gomes for helping to provide the freedom that we hold so dear. Thank you, Chris, we know you are on a path to a wonderful life.

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.