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Wounded War Veteran Returns To Find Newly Remodeled Home

BRIGHTON, Colo. (CBS4) - A reality show has changed the life of an Army specialist who lives Colorado. He's a wounded war hero living in Brighton.

The reality show set up a fishing vacation for Army Spc. Aaron Bugg. While he and his wife were out of town crews stepped in and gave them quite a surprise.

American flags and a motorcycle escort greeted Aaron as he returned to his home and the surprise of his life.

Aaron was wounded by an IED in Iraq in 2004, causing severe damage to his legs and arms. Tuesday Aaron and his wife, Lisa, returned from a trip to Florida to a completely remodeled home.

"Man, when I opened that door ... this was totally unexpected," Aaron said. "I'm not a crier, but when these guys were leading me from room to room, it was ... speechless."

The couple had been in Florida as part of a TV show called "The Ultimate Fishing Experience." While they were gone, and with Lisa's knowledge, the show organized a team of volunteers to retrofit the home to complement Aaron's injuries.

"The look on his face and the tears in his eyes said it all," Lisa said.

"We don't deserve this and we're so thankful. When we take the oath to defend our country, it's not to get anything back. It's to do it because we love to do it," Aaron said. "It's awesome. All the things everybody pulled together to do for us has just been amazing."

The home now has new carpet and hard wood floors. There's also a new stove, refrigerator and a washer/drier set, along with a special hot tub.

"I have a lot of pain in my legs and back, so that hot tub -- that will definitely be awesome," Aaron said.

Aaron's Purple Heart and other medals are now on display. It's a fitting tribute to an American hero.

"To see his Purple Heart up on the wall and all his medals and a picture of him when he was in Iraq before he was hurt -- it means a lot," Lisa said.

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