DOUGLASVILLE, Ga. -- Douglas County officials said they are doing something unprecedented to help a soldier who was injured in Iraq.

The county is launching a major fundraising effort for Brian Hall, who was injured by a roadside bomb in 2005, just months after arriving in Iraq.

"I'm astounded, it's truly a blessing. It's amazing," Hall said Friday.

Hall can't believe people in the community want to help him.

Hall has a plate in his head because of the blast. His eyes are sensitive to light, and he has repeated nightmares and violent seizures.

"I never imagined when he went to Iraq that he was going to come back a different person,” said his wife, Jessica.

Hall received a Purple Heart from President George W. Bush.

But after a coma, five surgeries, and scores of health problems, Hall's only hope for a normal life may be a specially-trained dog.

"He has days when he really has flashbacks. The dog will help that," Jessica said.

The dog wouldn’t be just any companion. The dog, named T-Rex, will be trained to remind Hall when to take his medication. The animal may even be able to sense when Brian is about to have a seizure.

"He helped the Iraqis gain their freedom and by that, helped us maintain our freedoms. It's the least we can do to help him out,” said Wes Tallon, Douglas County Communications Director.

The county is leading an effort to raise money for the dog, which would cost $6,000.

The county calls Hall an American hero. But Hall, the father of a 4-year-old, downplays what he's been through. But he’s also thankful so many people have already stepped forward with donations.

“I don’t know how to articulate my feelings. It’s like, it's just, ‘Wow’," Hall said.

To learn how you can donate, click on the Douglas County Web Site.