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Xtreme Racing and Entertainment donating 100 percent of proceeds to build home for local veteran

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BROKEN ARROW, Okla. -- The season is heating up at Xtreme Racing and Entertainment. 

During the racetrack's busiest time of the year, they're choosing to help "homes for our troops" and retrofit a house for an Oklahoma veteran.

"He was injured one month into his deployment in Iraq by an IED, lost both legs from the knees down," manager Jason Wright said.

Adam Putt said he's looking to regain his independence. Wright hopes to raise $10,000 to $15,000 to offset the impact of Putt's injuries.

"How he chose Blanchard, I don't know. But he said that's where I want to be. They bought the land and they're getting to do groundbreaking so we'll kind of be able to kick start that with our own help here. Helping another Oklahoman," Wright said.

For the manager, this cause hits close to home.

"Both of my grandfathers served. Fortunately got them both back. My brother-in-law served, he graduated West Point and went to Afghanistan twice. It's hard to put into words what Memorial Day is," Wright said.

The veterans who raced for the cause on Monday said this was a way to connect with their brothers and sisters after time in the service.

"It's like I get to keep serving. It's like when I did my duty, whatever I did, even if it was something simple like working on generators and equipment. When I saw those things go to work and the mission get completed I felt really good," Joe Marengo said.

Marengo served during peace time. Following his service he worked for Veterans Affairs, and is now dedicating his retirement to causes like this one.

"It's a wonderful feeling. When I worked at the VA I missed it so I guess I'm doing this in my retirement because I'm still greedy for that good feeling of helping these people. It feels really good to know that people like him are going to have a home," Marengo said.

Staff are ready to stay at the track as long as people are willing to donate.

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