Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Episode 6.23 Cooper Family

U.S. Army Combat Medic Jeff Cooper served in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, earning numerous medals of honor, but also leaving him suffering with Gulf War Syndrome. Now confined to a wheelchair, Jeff suffers from Multiple Sclerosis and ongoing immune system disorders. Although constantly in pain, he continues to fight for his fellow servicemen, single handedly lobbying the State Senate to pass legislation to provide all veterans who served in this war with a special license plate of recognition. His heroism hit close to home when son Aaron was run over by a garbage truck as he was emptying the garbage on the street for pickup. Although Jeff kept his son alive performing vital lifesaving procedures, Aaron lost most of his right arm. While this family has endured many trials, they've remained upbeat and happy. But life in their ill equipped home is hard: It's a moisture-plagued double wide with poor electrical, a sinking roof and a rotting wheelchair ramp.

While Ty and the designers, local builder Aronov Homes, Inc and hundreds of volunteers and workers are rebuilding their home, the Cooper family will go on vacation to Washington, DC. While there, the family meets former U.S. Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Colin L. Powell, who presents them with a gift.