A local soldier’s life was forever changed in February of this year. 

Specialist Timothy Riney, Jr. was paralyzed during a training accident while at Fort Carson, Colorado. Riney Jr. and his parents sat down with Bay News 9 to talk about his recovery for the first time.

Riney Jr. now lives in his parents’ Safety Harbor home, and said he takes one day at a time. His parents said it’s been a challenge to give their son a way of life at home that maintains his dignity.

When Riney Jr. decided to join the Army in 2012, he was in his second year at Florida State University. He said it was something he always wanted to do.

"To put on that uniform and see the flag every day, it was sheer honor, honestly," said Riney Jr.

Riney Jr. and his family knew the risks of being in the military.  Still, they never expected he would nearly lose his life during a training exercise.

"The call on February 6th was just indescribable shock," said father Timothy Riney Sr.

Riney and six others had been riding in a Stryker vehicle outside Fort Carson when the vehicle tumbled down a steep embankment, killing one soldier and injuring the rest.

"I'm a complete paraplegic, probably never going to walk again, but, just living life," said Riney Jr, who is at the moment still active-duty.

The VA is taking care of Riney Jr.’s medical and physical therapy needs, however his parents wish his life was far more comfortable at home.

Riney Jr. sleeps in the front living room because he can't get to his bedroom upstairs. He uses a bathroom, without a door, to fit his wheelchair.  It’s tough for him to reach cabinets in the kitchen.

Riney's self-employed parents said they can't afford the home improvements that would give him privacy, and said they can't apply for assistance until the accident investigation is complete.

"We are reaching out now as much as we can, for help from other places other individuals, and not worrying about what the military or the VA is going to do for him, because that's maybe a year or so away, if at all,” said Riney Sr., “And even the groups we've contacted most of those groups have different reasons they're not going to be able to help."

Despite the struggles, Riney Jr. stays positive.

"There's always a plan, and you got to just accept it and just go with the plan, you can't ever fight it,” said Riney Jr., “Feeling bad for myself isn't going to get me anywhere."

His father admires his strength, and said it’s what helps keep them all going.

“My pride for him is overwhelming,” said Riney Sr.

Riney Jr. is going to physical therapy at the VA hospital twice a week. He said his physical therapists have been a source of inspiration during his recovery, and said he would now like to become a physical therapist someday.

The family has set up a foundation in Riney Jr.’s name. That website can be found here: http://timothyrineyfoundation.com/.