PARSIPPANY ? A 23-year-old solider who lost his legs in Afghanistan got his wish.
Derek McConnell and his fianc?, Krystina Dressler, won an online contest that will give them an $80,000 wedding.
McConnell, a U.S. Army specialist, also fractured his skull and right arm and sustained severe blast wounds after he was hit by two improvised explosive devices while on patrol in Kandahar, Afghanistan, in July 2011. McConnell and Dressler have been together six years and he proposed to her in October 2011.
A post on McConnell's Team Derek Facebook page , written by Dressler, thanked those who voted for them in "Operation Tie The Knot: Engagement Ring and Dream Wedding Giveaway." The pair beat out 10 couples in the final for the prize.
"So, I know everyone is anxiously awaiting the news if you haven't heard yet...DEREK AND I HAVE WON OUR DREAM WEDDING!! I cannot thank you all enough. You have all grown from strangers to our family, even if we haven't met face to face yet. I love you all!! Many congrats to the other contestants as well!!! May you all live a life full of health, happiness, and lots of love?" the post said.
A later post said Dressler and McConnell's mothers had begun to search for dresses for the wedding. The couple garnered 3,115 votes. McConnell said he soon expects to be able to retire, but not before being promoted to sergeant.
Marine Cpl. Scott Hakim and Emma Valenti took second place. Sgt. Adrian Yanez and Marcella Botero finished third. Both couples also received prizes.
Venus Jewelers, NJ 101.5-FM and The Park Savoy/Nanina's In The Park presented the contest.
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Source: http://www.nj.com/morris/index.ssf/2012/12/wish_granted_parsippany_soldie.html
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