THE CROWD gathered as Eric Frazier wheeled himself onto the front porch of his new home. Emotions were high — the kind that binds a community together in moments of sincere honor and reflection. Veterans stood tall in their dress blues, local dignitaries in their finest, and neighbors stood shoulder to shoulder, admiration and respect evident on their faces. Cliff Harris, the builder behind this project, watched Frazier. Behind them, the house — a true masterpiece of accessibility and design — represented what happens when a community comes together to honor one of its own. The American flag fluttered gently in the breeze, and as the ribbon was cut, cheers erupted for the home and for the man whose sacrifice inspired it all.
Eric Frazier, a double amputee, has always had the courage and determination that define the best of America’s military. Following in the footsteps of his father and generations of soldiers before him, Frazier enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 2003. But it was during his deployment to Iraq in 2006 that his life changed forever.
Over the years, Frazier adapted to his new reality, facing each day with the same willpower that carried him through battle. However, his living situation was far from ideal. Navigating a nonadaptive home meant that even the simplest tasks required careful planning and often painful effort. But all that changed when Helping a Hero, an organization known for its Wounded Hero Home Program, stepped in. Many people are aware of Frazier’s story, but there’s more to discover about the incredible features of this recently finished project.
In September 2022, Helping a Hero, in partnership with Bass Pro Shops and local builder Cliff Harris, began working on a home that would accommodate Frazier’s needs and celebrate his service. The result is a 3,000-square-foot masterpiece tailored to ensure comfort, accessibility, and a sense of independence for Frazier.
“This zero-entry home has been absolutely amazing,” Frazier said. “Whenever I forget something in the truck, I can just roll out and get it without worrying about steps. It’s been very nice.”
And “nice” it is. From the roll-under stove that allows Frazier to cook with ease to the wheelchair-accessible shower, every feature was designed with care. The shower, with its white granite-like tile, is a particular favorite.
“It’s absolutely amazing,” Frazier said. “I can just slide over onto my bench — no more climbing.”
The project was a labor of love for Harris and his son, Zach, at Harris Construction.
“After receiving the drawings and with Meredith’s approval to make changes, Zach and I made all of the hallways much wider and the pantry larger so Eric could maneuver his wheelchair when he uses it,” Harris explained. “This house has every accommodation Eric needs — from the kitchen, laundry, and bathrooms — to be self-sufficient.”
Harris initially worked in nondestructive testing and materials testing to ensure construction met high standards. However, he followed his dream of revitalizing older homes, transforming them into places families could enjoy. Today, they specialize in crafting custom homes, while Harris continues his oversight work as an external contractor. It’s evident that Harris applied his expertise from his previous role to help make Frazier’s dream of accessible living a reality.
The construction involved significant modifications, including altering the lot’s elevation. Custom features like power-assisted cabinetry and built-in appliances controlled via smartphone make the home both functional and luxurious. The house also features a spacious, climate-controlled garage, a beautiful screened-in porch, and custom exterior features that blend harmoniously with the surrounding neighborhood.
Aside from the bricks and mortar, what truly sets this home apart is the spirit of community and gratitude that built it. Local businesses like Wellborn Cabinet, C & G Sheet Metal, ABC Roof, and Tullahoma Building Supply, among others, donated materials and services. C & G Sheet Metal provided labor and materials for exterior elements such as the screened-in porch, gutters, and siding accents.
The project culminated in a heartwarming reveal, with veterans, community members, and special guests in attendance. Famous chef and TV personality Paula Deen even paid a visit, baking her famous gooey butter cake and sharing stories with Frazier in his new kitchen. It was a surreal experience for Frazier, and Deen’s genuine appreciation for veterans made it all the more special.
“Her butter cake was absolutely amazing,” Frazier said, reflecting on their time together. “She’s a very nice, sincere woman. I appreciate her and her husband a lot.”
But the true gift of this home rests in the comfort and security it provides — a comfort he hadn’t felt since before his injuries.
“Being able to be comfortable in my home now is the greatest gift I think anybody’s ever given me,” he said.
Harris said it was extremely humbling to work on Frazier’s home and to share this experience with Frazier’s daughter, Elissia, who has a customized room and bathroom of her own. She stood amazed, admiring her own built-ins, including a desk, bath cabinetry, and built-in organizers for her self-care items.
As Veterans Day approaches, Frazier hopes his story will inspire others in the military community.
“I hope this shows veterans that everything they’re doing is for something,” he said. “There are people here who support us, who appreciate us, and who will do anything they can — and then some — for us.”
Harris shared his vision for the community and the nation as a whole.
“If we could get every community to support projects like Eric’s, there would be no soldier or servant of our armed forces forgotten. This is something all communities should strive to do.” GN
