A retired Marine Corps Iraq veteran returned to the home he bought with his wife in January. But thanks to a friend, volunteers and thousands of dollars of donations, it is not a rundown place anymore.

Sergeant Jacinto Bernardo ended up in tears after touring the house, outfitted with new kitchen, floors carpets, paint, and backyard.

SEE Also: Sick Boy Gets Trucks and Trains in His New Bedroom Donated by Designer

His Marine bootcamp buddy Jeremy Epperson rounded up volunteers, money, and put $70,000 worth of work into the house as part of a program he's calling Homecoming Heroes.

(WATCH the video below or READ the ABC 7 story from KHON)