American Morning
CNN Heroes: Building free homes for wounded vets
By Kathleen Toner, CNN
Houston, Texas (CNN) - Alexander Reyes' boyhood dream of a military career ended when he was hit by an improvised explosive device during a patrol two years ago in Baghdad.
"Laying in that hospital bed ... sometimes I felt I'd rather [have] died," Reyes said. "My life came to a complete halt."
Reyes sustained severe blast injuries that led to his medical discharge; he's on 100 percent medical disability. Like many soldiers wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan, Reyes, now 24, found the transition to civilian life difficult.
But he and a handful of other injured veterans are getting help from what may seem an unlikely source: a custom home builder in Houston, Texas.
Dan Wallrath recently presented Reyes and his wife with an unexpected gift: a home built especially for them, mortgage-free.
"Thank you. That's all I can say," Elizabeth Reyes said, sobbing and clutching her stunned husband's arm as Wallrath surprised them with the house.
For Wallrath, giving wounded veterans a place to call home is his way of saying thanks. Since 2005, his organization has built four houses. Five more are under construction, and he's expanding his idea into a national campaign called Operation Finally Home. FULL STORY
Do you know a hero? Nominations are open for 2010 CNN Heroes
The Teaser
"The Teaser” is a preview of the guests we have lined up for the next day – so you know when to tune in (and when to set your alarm!). Guests and times are always subject to change.
Here’s the lineup for tomorrow:
6:30AM: How's this for a diplomatic welcome gift: 1,600 housing units in East Jerusalem. To say the least, V.P. Biden wasn't thrilled. How will this move play out? Robin Wright & Aaron David Miller will discuss.
7:30AM: Reform, or you'll be voted out – a stark warning for Dems from Steve Hildebrand, former Deputy Campaign Manager for Obama. He'll tell us why he's sounding the alarm.
8:30AM: Temper tantrums – a passing outburst, or a serious mental illness? Dr. Emil Coccaro will tell us the difference between normal anger and Intermittent Explosive Disorder. Is your anger level normal? Take this quiz to find out.
Got questions for any of our guests?
Tweet 'em at Twitter.com/amFIX or post them below and we'll try to use 'em!
Corey Haim's lifelong struggle
(CNN) – The tragic death of actor Corey Haim shocked his closest friends. The 80's teen movie star died early yesterday.
Last night, Corey Feldman, Haim's close friend and reality co-star, spoke publicly about it for the first time on Larry King Live. Feldman said Haim seemed to be winning his battle against drug abuse in the weeks before his sudden death.
Feldman pleaded with people not to draw conclusions that Haim died from a drug overdose. He said that until the autopsy report is issued, "nobody knows and nobody's going to know."
Sadly, our society has almost come to expect drug use from former child stars – falling off the deep end after being so famous, so young. CNN's Kareen Wynter takes a look at Corey Haim's 20 year struggle and why he is far from alone.
Read more: Feldman says Corey Haim was winning fight with drugs
Arctic explorer headed for North Pole
Editor’s note: Arctic explorer Eric Larsen is trying to make it to the North and South Poles and the summit of Mount Everest in 365 days as part of an effort to raise awareness about climate change. Larsen joined us on American Morning before he set out on his Save the Poles expedition – and just launched the second leg of his journey to the North Pole. Below is an excerpt from his online journal.
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://www.x-journal.com/journal/ericlars/images/img_5584.jpg caption="Larsen’s crew trekking towards the North Pole. Courtesy: Eric Larsen"]
By Eric Larsen, From EricLarsenExplore.com
Is the ice more beautiful because, for us here, it is dangerous and potentially deadly? Or is it beautiful because so few people have seen this place? Perhaps, its the fact that we are looking at something that may be gone in the future. Or does beauty lie just by existing?
We continue to be astounded by the forms and variety of ice here. Each day has seen a slight change in conditions. Today, we were pleased to find harder patches of snow as well as fewer pressure ridges; however, we are presently camped among some of the biggest pressure we've seen yet.
One surprise was finding a nearly kilometer wide lead in the early afternoon. While we regularly encounter leads, this was the first that was relatively new. Stepping gingerly, we watched as the ice bowed underneath our Atlas snowshoes and sent ripples forward. We decided to skirt the thinest sections. Read the full story »
Fmr. boyfriend of alleged 'Jihad Jane' 'just can't believe it'
(CNN) – The Wall Street Journal is reporting Colleen LaRose, the woman allegedly known as "Jihad Jane," is cooperating with authorities.
We're learning she provided information that lead to the arrest of seven people in Ireland accused of plotting to kill a Swedish cartoonist.
Our Susan Candiotti has been digging into the background of Colleen LaRose and spoke with the suspect's former boyfriend.
Read more: Who is alleged 'Jihad Jane'?
About this Show
Welcome to the American Morning blog where you can get daily news updates from American Morning's reporters and producers. Join us for "the most news in the morning," weekdays from 6-9 a.m. ET, only on CNN.
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