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Local Businessman Donates $450K To Help Wounded Marine

NEWPORT BEACH (CBS) — A foundation created in the memory of a firefighter killed on 9/11 got help from a local businessman to in turn help a local Marine, who was wounded on the battle field in Afghanistan.

A group of New York City Firefighters arrived in Newport Beach Monday to present a big check to Marine Corporal Juan Dominguez, a triple amputee.

"You guys don't look for anything in return. You don't. But you know what, we do have your back and we're going to make sure about that," one firefighter said while presenting the check for $450,000.

Cpl. Dominguez was chosen as the latest serviceman to receive a custom-built smart home, specially adapted in Temecula.

"To me, it's fabulous to be able to do something that will help a young man who has given so much for our country and it will hopefully make a difference in his life," said Ned Wallace, a local businessman who donated the money to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and Gary Sinise Foundation.

Sinise, the star of "CSI: NY," is dedicated to honoring people like Cpl. Dominguez.

New York Firefighter Stephen Siller ran through the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel to the World Trade Center on 9/11. He died that day.

His family retraces his steps every year through the Tunnel to Towers Run. When Wallace saw coverage of the 5K-run on KCAL9 News, he wanted to help.

"Freedom is not free and it's a gift for us. And these men and these women are giving us our freedom and we have to stand by their side," said Stephen's widow, Sarah Siller.

"I think that positive attitude that I carry is just me seeing all of the blessings that I still have in life. I get to see my daughter grow up and that's one of the things. This country's great, like I said, I would step IED [improvised explosive device] all over again," Cpl. Dominguez said.

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