Homes for our Troops to build Afghanistan veteran home in July
Published: Thursday, June 30, 2011
By Sara K. Satullo
The Express-Times
Even as Rob Kislow lay in a hospital bed at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, he could only focus on one thing.
“’I just want the American Dream,’” Kislow, now 25, recalls telling a reporter interviewing him. “That was my entire mindset.”
It took several years, 16 prosthetic legs and lots of hardship but come July, Kislow’s American dream is headed into overdrive. He’s set to become a father and homeowner within days of one another.
The national nonprofit Homes for Our Troops, which builds homes for seriously injured post 9/11 veterans at no cost to them, is set to begin work on Kislow’s Moore Township home July 22.
read more here
Homes for our Troops to build Afghanistan veteran home
Showing posts with label Homes For Our Troops. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Homes For Our Troops. Show all posts
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
Outrage over "home that doesn't fit" for paralyzed Iraq Vet
UPDATE to this story
Veteran speaks out about Knob Hill Controversy
The Homes for Our Troops organization has built several hundred homes to assist severely injured service men and women. One home was built two years ago in Harlem for Sergeant Darryl Wallace.
Posted: 7:47 PM Jun 25, 2011
June 24, 2011
HARLEM, Ga. -- The Homes for Our Troops organization has built several hundred homes to assist severely injured service men and women. One home was built two years ago in Harlem for Sergeant Darryl Wallace.
Sgt. Wallace and his family feel Homes for Our Troops gave them a start to a brand new life -- one they thought they would not have. They just hope the Gittens' family can soon feel the same.
"It's just wonderful what they are doing for extremely wounded soldiers like me," said Sgt. Wallace. He was stationed in Afghanistan back in 2007. An IED exploded under his work truck and he lost both his legs.
"It was pretty painful, I woke up two months after it happened," he said. When he woke up his wife Tiffany was right by his side and so was the community.
In April 2009, volunteers and troops from Fort Gordon helped build a house for Sgt. Wallace. The home was one hundred percent handicap accessible with lowered counters, wider showers and doors that power open. Many felt it was the least they could do for a man who put his life on the line.
read more here
Veteran speaks out about Knob Hill Controversy
Veteran speaks out about Knob Hill Controversy
The Homes for Our Troops organization has built several hundred homes to assist severely injured service men and women. One home was built two years ago in Harlem for Sergeant Darryl Wallace.
Posted: 7:47 PM Jun 25, 2011
June 24, 2011
HARLEM, Ga. -- The Homes for Our Troops organization has built several hundred homes to assist severely injured service men and women. One home was built two years ago in Harlem for Sergeant Darryl Wallace.
Sgt. Wallace and his family feel Homes for Our Troops gave them a start to a brand new life -- one they thought they would not have. They just hope the Gittens' family can soon feel the same.
"It's just wonderful what they are doing for extremely wounded soldiers like me," said Sgt. Wallace. He was stationed in Afghanistan back in 2007. An IED exploded under his work truck and he lost both his legs.
"It was pretty painful, I woke up two months after it happened," he said. When he woke up his wife Tiffany was right by his side and so was the community.
In April 2009, volunteers and troops from Fort Gordon helped build a house for Sgt. Wallace. The home was one hundred percent handicap accessible with lowered counters, wider showers and doors that power open. Many felt it was the least they could do for a man who put his life on the line.
read more here
Veteran speaks out about Knob Hill Controversy
"It doesn't fit" with the neighborhood? He doesn't either. Considering how few in this country serve today, it is unlikely the HOA can value someone like him even wanting to live in their neighborhood.
Over the years there have been plenty of excuses for not wanting a home for homeless veterans because of unfounded fears centered around homeless people in general, but when they refuse to allow one for a wounded veteran to be customized for him and his family, that should have everyone outraged.
Homes for Our Troops does everything possible to provide a special house for these special veterans so they can live as comfortably as possible with the wounds they ended up with serving this country. Too bad this HOA can't value that as well.
Neighbors pull plug on injured vet's home
By Carole Hawkins
Staff Writer
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
An Evans neighborhood association has blocked a group that was prepared to build a home free of charge for a local veteran who was injured in Afghanistan.
The homebuilding group, Homes for Our Troops, says Knob Hill Property Owners Association approved the home's design June 2 but reversed its decision in a later meeting.
A member of the association, however, says the group got only a conditional approval, pending a review of its design; the neighborhood is carefully protected by building covenants, and the final design did not fit.
Homes for Our Troops -- a national organization that has built or remodeled homes for more than 100 severely injured veterans -- had planned to build a house for Army Sgt. 1st Class Sean Gittens and his family this weekend. Gittens suffered concussive head injuries while serving in Afghanistan. After he returned home, a brain aneurysm caused a stroke that left him partially paralyzed.
read more here
Neighbors pull plug on injured vet's home
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Nam Knights Orlando and Homes For Our Troops Event
Nam Knights Orlando and Homes For Our Troops joined forces yesterday for Army SPC Luis Puertas was left a double amputee after an EFP explosion in Baghdad, Iraq, on September 20, 2006.
Two double amputees from Iraq talk about what it is like to live after and offer hope.
Paul "Russ" Marek
Branch: Army
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Home: Melbourne, FL
SSG Paul Russell Marek was serving with the 4th Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment of the Army's 3rd Infantry Division in Iraq when his tank was destroyed by an IED. Three of his crew members perished in the explosion and Russ lost his right leg and right arm, his right ear and left thumb and suffered brain injury and severe burns over 20 percent of his body. That happend on September 16, 2005 as he rode in a tank near Baghdad.
Luis Puertas
Branch: Army
Rank: Specialist
Home: Orlando, FL
Army SPC Luis Puertas was left a double amputee after an EFP explosion in Baghdad, Iraq, on September 20, 2006. SPC Puertas was the driver of the lead HUMVEE on a daily patrol near Sadr City when an unseen EFP, planted at the base of a light pole launched into the vehicle, amputating both of his legs on impact. Leaving him trapped beneath the 400 pound up-armored door of the HUMVEE. Miraculously, his team was able to extricate him from the wreckage, and prepare him for medevac from the scene.
Luis and Amber talk about meeting after he came home and how they fell in love. If you want a good love story, here it is.
I have to say that it was amazing being a part of this event just as it has been to know these fantastic Nam Knights.
Two double amputees from Iraq talk about what it is like to live after and offer hope.
Paul "Russ" Marek
Branch: Army
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Home: Melbourne, FL
SSG Paul Russell Marek was serving with the 4th Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment of the Army's 3rd Infantry Division in Iraq when his tank was destroyed by an IED. Three of his crew members perished in the explosion and Russ lost his right leg and right arm, his right ear and left thumb and suffered brain injury and severe burns over 20 percent of his body. That happend on September 16, 2005 as he rode in a tank near Baghdad.
Luis Puertas
Branch: Army
Rank: Specialist
Home: Orlando, FL
Army SPC Luis Puertas was left a double amputee after an EFP explosion in Baghdad, Iraq, on September 20, 2006. SPC Puertas was the driver of the lead HUMVEE on a daily patrol near Sadr City when an unseen EFP, planted at the base of a light pole launched into the vehicle, amputating both of his legs on impact. Leaving him trapped beneath the 400 pound up-armored door of the HUMVEE. Miraculously, his team was able to extricate him from the wreckage, and prepare him for medevac from the scene.
Luis and Amber talk about meeting after he came home and how they fell in love. If you want a good love story, here it is.
I have to say that it was amazing being a part of this event just as it has been to know these fantastic Nam Knights.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
CNN Robin Meade offers way to Salute to Troops
As simple as creating an online greeting card. Create a "Salute to Troops" you can e-mail to your military loved one.
http://salute.blogs.cnn.com/
Every weekday morning on HLN's "Morning Express," anchor Robin Meade and her team do a shout-out to U.S. troops by showing off photos and videos sent in by their loved ones. Tune in every hour between 6 and 10 a.m. to see the salutes on air, or click through the archives on this page.
http://salute.blogs.cnn.com/
Every weekday morning on HLN's "Morning Express," anchor Robin Meade and her team do a shout-out to U.S. troops by showing off photos and videos sent in by their loved ones. Tune in every hour between 6 and 10 a.m. to see the salutes on air, or click through the archives on this page.
A mortar attack in Iraq in 2006 shattered Marine Sergeant Kenny Lyons' jaw, and cost him his leg. He says his mother never left his side while he recovered. So, he surprised her, by asking HER to cut the ribbon when he got the keys to his new house. Which was built in less than FOUR DAYS and comes mortgage-free, thanks to "Homes for our Troops." They build specially equipped homes for injured vets.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Marine Sergeant Kenny Lyon received more than just a house
Marine Sergeant Kenny Lyon received more than just a house from Homes for Our Troops. Over 100 roaring motorcycle riders made sure he did not make the journey to the next part of his life alone. Ahead of this day, over 150 people donated supplies and labors of love so that Lyon would never have to worry about having a roof over his head ever again. Simple acts of kindness reminding the country there are still people out there thinking about others. Lyon had seen this kind of kindness before in Iraq when Col. Paulette Schank pumped her own blood into him so that he could live.
Lyon, for his part, was willing to give up his life if that day ever came. As a Marine, he served watching the backs of his brothers. Just as other men and women spend their days willing, able and ready to do whatever it takes to do what they were sent to do and take care of their "family" Lyon knew what it was like to be unselfish. With all the heroes in this story, the story won't end here. Everyone driving by this house, from this day on, will remember the story of the community coming together, working together, for the sake of someone willing to die in service. They will remember the story of Schank so determined to save Lyon, she took her own blood for his sake. They will remember that heroes come in and out of uniform and the next time they are asked to help someone, they may remember all of these wonderful people saying they wanted to help.
Homes for Our Troops Presents Home to Injured Marine
April 10, 2011
FREDERICKSBURG, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Over 100 motorcycles escorted Marine Sergeant Kenny Lyon to the home that will change his life. Homes for Our Troops, a national nonprofit presented Lyon the keys to a specially adapted home, completely mortgage-free.
Lyon suffered life-threatening injuries after a mortar attack, resulting in a left leg above the knee amputation. Homes for Our Troops, Atlantic Builders and 150 businesses and professional volunteers constructed the home in just four days. The home, the fastest built by the organization, marked the 100th home launched by Homes for Our Troops.
“I’ve travelled all over the country and witnessed communities stepping up for these veterans. Every now and then you’ll see one of these communities pull off something extra special, and what the Fredericksburg community did this week was absolutely amazing,” said John Gonsalves, founder and president of Homes for Our Troops.
The emotional high note of the ceremony came when Lyon reunited with the nurse who saved his life, Col. Paulette Schank. After a tearful embrace, Lyon explained how Schank directly transfused her own blood into his body, keeping him alive.
Lyon later expressed his appreciation to the crowd, saying, “The words ‘thank you’ feel so cheap when I won’t have to worry about anything anymore.”
read more here
Homes for Our Troops Presents Home to Injured Marine
Lyon, for his part, was willing to give up his life if that day ever came. As a Marine, he served watching the backs of his brothers. Just as other men and women spend their days willing, able and ready to do whatever it takes to do what they were sent to do and take care of their "family" Lyon knew what it was like to be unselfish. With all the heroes in this story, the story won't end here. Everyone driving by this house, from this day on, will remember the story of the community coming together, working together, for the sake of someone willing to die in service. They will remember the story of Schank so determined to save Lyon, she took her own blood for his sake. They will remember that heroes come in and out of uniform and the next time they are asked to help someone, they may remember all of these wonderful people saying they wanted to help.
Sgt. Kenny Lyon (left) tells how Col. Paulette Schank (right) directly transfused her own blood into his in her successful attempt to save his life after a mortar attack in Iraq. Homes for Our Troops arranged for Col. Schank, seen here hugging Sgt. Lyon's mother, to surprise Sgt. Lyon on the day the organization presented him a new home. (Photo: Business Wire)
April 10, 2011
FREDERICKSBURG, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Over 100 motorcycles escorted Marine Sergeant Kenny Lyon to the home that will change his life. Homes for Our Troops, a national nonprofit presented Lyon the keys to a specially adapted home, completely mortgage-free.
Lyon suffered life-threatening injuries after a mortar attack, resulting in a left leg above the knee amputation. Homes for Our Troops, Atlantic Builders and 150 businesses and professional volunteers constructed the home in just four days. The home, the fastest built by the organization, marked the 100th home launched by Homes for Our Troops.
“I’ve travelled all over the country and witnessed communities stepping up for these veterans. Every now and then you’ll see one of these communities pull off something extra special, and what the Fredericksburg community did this week was absolutely amazing,” said John Gonsalves, founder and president of Homes for Our Troops.
The emotional high note of the ceremony came when Lyon reunited with the nurse who saved his life, Col. Paulette Schank. After a tearful embrace, Lyon explained how Schank directly transfused her own blood into his body, keeping him alive.
Lyon later expressed his appreciation to the crowd, saying, “The words ‘thank you’ feel so cheap when I won’t have to worry about anything anymore.”
read more here
Homes for Our Troops Presents Home to Injured Marine
Monday, March 14, 2011
Home For Our Troops builds home for wounded Marine
Community Constructs Home for Marine
The sound of saws and hammering could be heard over strong wind, as hundreds worked to build a home for a marine. Sgt. Dylan Gray lost both legs when an anti-tank mine went off in Iraq.
Posted: 6:55 PM Mar 13, 2011
Reporter: Joe Harrington
The sound of saws and hammering could be heard over strong wind, as hundreds worked to build a home for a marine. Sgt. Dylan Gray lost both legs when an anti-tank mine went off in Iraq.
Gray and his family decided to settle in rural Smith Valley, where 'Home For Our Troops' is facilitating the building of a home. 'Home For Our Troops' is dependent on volunteers and donations to make the effort possible.
"All these people that don't know me that have dedicated their whole weekend to come out here and build me a home it's amazing," Sgt. Gray said.
The roof was being put on the home Sunday.
Gray, who uses prosthetic legs or a wheelchair, will have greater mobility in his new home. It will have wider doorways, low counters and a large roll-in shower, among other special features.
"The home he's in now the wheelchair he's in typically half the day can't go through some of the doorways," a 'Home For Our Troops' representative said.
'Home for Our Troops' has been building twenty to thirty homes each year.
Gray's home will be finished in several months.
click link for video on this from KOLO News
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Ronell Bradley, Wounded Iraq Veteran, Gets New Home
Ronell Bradley, Wounded Iraq Veteran, Gets New Home
Written by
Nate Stewart
Columbia, SC (WLTX) - Ronell Bradley lost his legs in Iraq. Now hundreds of volunteers are working to build a new home that will meet his needs.
On Peninsula Drive in Northeast Columbia Friday, it looked more like an episode of "Extreme Home Makeover" than a construction site. From professional contractors to your average Joe volunteer, cars lined the street to build a home for Bradley, who in 2005 was hit by a roadside bomb in Iraq.
"It actually pierced the vehicle, blew off both legs and kept going out the other side," said Bradley.
Bradley and his wife soon after applied for help with Homes for Troops, a non-profit that builds specially adapted homes for wounded veterans free of charge.
read more here
Wounded Iraq Veteran Gets New Home
Written by
Nate Stewart
Columbia, SC (WLTX) - Ronell Bradley lost his legs in Iraq. Now hundreds of volunteers are working to build a new home that will meet his needs.
On Peninsula Drive in Northeast Columbia Friday, it looked more like an episode of "Extreme Home Makeover" than a construction site. From professional contractors to your average Joe volunteer, cars lined the street to build a home for Bradley, who in 2005 was hit by a roadside bomb in Iraq.
"It actually pierced the vehicle, blew off both legs and kept going out the other side," said Bradley.
Bradley and his wife soon after applied for help with Homes for Troops, a non-profit that builds specially adapted homes for wounded veterans free of charge.
read more here
Wounded Iraq Veteran Gets New Home
Sunday, May 2, 2010
A home fit for a Marine
A home fit for a Marine
By Chris Cobb
The Herald-Zeitung
Published May 2, 2010
MARION — Jose Ivan Perez was trying not to get too emotional. He’s a strong man. After all, he’s a Marine.
But the 24-year-old wouldn’t be blamed for letting emotions get the best of him Friday, as dozens of volunteers were pounding nails and cutting lumber, working to build a new house for the wounded veteran.
“It’s hard to believe it’s actually happening,” he said. “I’m a very proud person. I’ve always done things for myself and kept my feelings in check, but this is just amazing.”
Marine Cpl. Perez, along with the Army Sgt. Nathan Hunt and Marine Cpl. Neil Frustaglio, will all have new homes built for them in a Marion subdivision this weekend by volunteers for Homes for Troops.
The nonprofit uses community donations to build houses for troops who have been severely wounded in the line of duty, many of them amputees. They provide special custom homes to tailor to their needs, and they do so at no cost to the veterans.
read more here
A home fit for a Marine
By Chris Cobb
The Herald-Zeitung
Published May 2, 2010
MARION — Jose Ivan Perez was trying not to get too emotional. He’s a strong man. After all, he’s a Marine.
But the 24-year-old wouldn’t be blamed for letting emotions get the best of him Friday, as dozens of volunteers were pounding nails and cutting lumber, working to build a new house for the wounded veteran.
“It’s hard to believe it’s actually happening,” he said. “I’m a very proud person. I’ve always done things for myself and kept my feelings in check, but this is just amazing.”
Marine Cpl. Perez, along with the Army Sgt. Nathan Hunt and Marine Cpl. Neil Frustaglio, will all have new homes built for them in a Marion subdivision this weekend by volunteers for Homes for Troops.
The nonprofit uses community donations to build houses for troops who have been severely wounded in the line of duty, many of them amputees. They provide special custom homes to tailor to their needs, and they do so at no cost to the veterans.
read more here
A home fit for a Marine
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Homes for Our Troops taking care of Florida's wounded warriors
Home Building / Adaptation Projects in Florida
Luis Puertas
Branch: Army Rank: Specialist
Home: Orlando, FL
Army SPC Luis Puertas was left a double amputee after an EFP explosion in Baghdad, Iraq, on September 20, 2006. SPC Puertas was the driver of the lead HUMVEE on a daily patrol near Sadar City when an unseen EFP, planted at the base of a light pole launched into the vehicle, amputating both of his legs on impact. Leaving him trapped beneath the 400 pound up-armored door of the HUMVEE. Miraculously, his team was able to extricate him from the wreckage, and prepare him for medevac from the scene.
Click here to continue...
Juan Roldan
Branch: Army Rank: Staff Sergeant
Home: Tampa, FL
Army SSG Juan Roldan was left a double amputee above the knees after an EFP explosion in Sadar City, Iraq on December 29, 2006. During the days prior to the execution of Saddam Hussein, Baghdad, Iraq and the surrounding area was described as "Hell on Earth" by military members who were patrolling the streets; "things were out of control." SSG Roldan was a vehicle commander, on a patrol through Sadar City when an Explosively Formed Penetrator (EFP) struck the vehicle, immediately killing the driver and gunner and throwing SSG Roldan from the vehicle.
Click here to continue...
Steven Holloway
Branch: Army Rank: Sergeant First Class
Home: Wellington, FL
Army SFC Steven Holloway was a patrol leader on a mission to train Iraqi Police when his team was rerouted to assist at the scene of a deadly IED attack in Mosul, Iraq. After radioing for a Medivac, SFC Holloway went to the aid of a severely injured soldier and was immediately hit by a sniper's bullet. The Medivac he had called transported the injured soldier and SFC Holloway as well.
Click here to continue...
Paul "Russ" Marek
Branch: Army Rank: Staff Sergeant
Home: Melbourne, FL
SSG Paul Russell Marek was serving with the 4th Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment of the Army's 3rd Infantry Division in Iraq when his tank was destroyed by an IED. Three of his crew members perished in the explosion and Russ lost his right leg and right arm, his right ear and left thumb and suffered brain injury and severe burns over 20 percent of his body. That happend on September 16, 2005 as he rode in a tank near Baghdad.
Click here to continue...
Sunday, February 28, 2010
For disabled vet, no place like new home
For disabled vet, no place like new home
By Sydney Lupkin
Sunday, February 28, 2010
In his worst nightmares Staff Sgt. Michael Downing never imagined he would become a double-amputee while fighting in Afghanistan. But in his wildest dreams he never thought hundreds of people would pack his Middleboro garage, ask to shake his hand and give him the keys to a brand-new home.
“I’m still in awe of the whole thing,” Downing said, as crowds surrounded him yesterday.
Homes for Our Troops hosted a key ceremony for Downing yesterday to give him the specially adapted home they built with volunteers - too many to count, according to general contractor Dominic Falconeiri.
“Probably more than half the people here I don’t even know,” said a stunned Downing.
read more here
For disabled vet, no place like new home
By Sydney Lupkin
Sunday, February 28, 2010
In his worst nightmares Staff Sgt. Michael Downing never imagined he would become a double-amputee while fighting in Afghanistan. But in his wildest dreams he never thought hundreds of people would pack his Middleboro garage, ask to shake his hand and give him the keys to a brand-new home.
“I’m still in awe of the whole thing,” Downing said, as crowds surrounded him yesterday.
Homes for Our Troops hosted a key ceremony for Downing yesterday to give him the specially adapted home they built with volunteers - too many to count, according to general contractor Dominic Falconeiri.
“Probably more than half the people here I don’t even know,” said a stunned Downing.
read more here
For disabled vet, no place like new home
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Volunteer army to build house for veteran
The title of this post should be along the lines of when supporting them is real because this is exactly what it is. We can talk all we want about supporting them but if we just wait for the VA or the DOD to do it all, they are the ones suffering for it.
A while ago I had a conversation with a man claiming the "phony PTSD claims" were 50% and that the VA would take care of the legitimate ones. While we know that only a fraction of our veterans seek help for PTSD, that there is no where near enough being done, this man thought they were the problem of the VA and not citizens. He is clearly missing the point that it is the citizens funding service organizations and these organizations exist because the government is not meeting the need.
We can fight all we want to have the VA change but this takes years to do. When a budget is presented, it takes a long time for the funding to be voted on and then even longer for it to work into the system. Yet when people step up, they can write a check and get it done a lot faster. They shouldn't have to do it but because they care, they do and a veteran no longer has to ask himself/herself if anyone cares.
They risk their lives for the entire nation, doing what we ask of them and what few others are willing to do. The least we can do is to answer the call to help them.
An "army" is showing up to help this veteran and it happened after a radio station made his need public. Bless the radio station for making this public and Homes for Our Troops for all the work they are doing to live up to the words "a grateful nation" but also be aware of the thousands of other stories you will never hear about.
A while ago I had a conversation with a man claiming the "phony PTSD claims" were 50% and that the VA would take care of the legitimate ones. While we know that only a fraction of our veterans seek help for PTSD, that there is no where near enough being done, this man thought they were the problem of the VA and not citizens. He is clearly missing the point that it is the citizens funding service organizations and these organizations exist because the government is not meeting the need.
We can fight all we want to have the VA change but this takes years to do. When a budget is presented, it takes a long time for the funding to be voted on and then even longer for it to work into the system. Yet when people step up, they can write a check and get it done a lot faster. They shouldn't have to do it but because they care, they do and a veteran no longer has to ask himself/herself if anyone cares.
They risk their lives for the entire nation, doing what we ask of them and what few others are willing to do. The least we can do is to answer the call to help them.
An "army" is showing up to help this veteran and it happened after a radio station made his need public. Bless the radio station for making this public and Homes for Our Troops for all the work they are doing to live up to the words "a grateful nation" but also be aware of the thousands of other stories you will never hear about.
Volunteer army to build house for veteran
Mary Umberger
On Real Estate
February 21, 2010
Frank Pierson recalls the moment clearly: One day in March 2008, he was in Baghdad, behind the wheel of a truck that was part of an Army convoy.
"We were driving past a checkpoint, and a big puff of smoke came up — we didn't even know we were being ambushed," the Cicero resident says. "When we drove out of the smoke, I went to stop the truck and didn't know why I couldn't stop it.
"I looked down and noticed my right leg was completely gone and part of my left leg was severely injured."
The "big puff of smoke" had been caused by an electronically fired projectile. What followed were 27 surgeries and 19 months of rehab in Germany and at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Today, minus his legs and dealing with other injuries from the blast, he lives with his wife, Arielle Carroll-Pierson, at her mother's home in Cicero.
It's home, but it's not easy. Even though the family has adapted the house to his needs somewhat, there are huge physical inconveniences. The only bedroom in the home that's vaguely accessible to him, for instance, is in the basement, and to reach it, Pierson climbs out of his wheelchair and scoots down the stairs and gets into another chair.It will be a contribution from Homes for Our Troops, a Taunton, Mass., charity that since 2004 has built 51 houses for disabled veterans and has 32 others in various stages of construction around the country, at an average cost of $250,000 to $300,000, plus the cost of land.
The organization, which aids military veterans who have been severely injured while serving in a combat zone after Sept. 11, 2001, receives funding from corporate sponsorships and private donations, according to Vicki Thomas, a spokesman for the group.
But the projects depend on labor donated by contractors and skilled workers and from donated materials, she said. There are ways for friends, neighbors and total strangers to help too.
Homes for Our Troops got the word out recently on a Chicago radio station that it needed help for the Piersons' house. It will be the group's first effort in the Chicago area, though it recently completed a home for another veteran in Mahomet, Ill., near Champaign.
Though the organization is used to fielding an outpouring of support in the communities where the organization is building homes, Thomas said she was surprised at the immediate response from Chicago after the radio plea for help, when 548 individuals and companies responded.read more here
Friday, June 19, 2009
Couple hid ownership of other homes from charity
Nonprofit won’t give home to injured vet
The Associated Press Posted : Friday Jun 19, 2009 11:43:42 EDT
PASADENA, Md. — A nonprofit group that builds homes for injured U.S. troops won't be turning over the keys to a Maryland home to a family of an Iraq veteran as planned because officials say the family concealed that they already own two homes.
Taunton, Mass.-based Homes for Our Troops planned to present Sgt. David Battle with the $800,000 home built by hundreds of volunteers in Pasadena, Md., on Thursday.go here for more
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/06/ap_amputee_home_061909/
UPDATE
Sgt. David Battle's side
Charity Denies Injured
Vet Donated Home
Updated: Saturday, 20 Jun 2009, 11:08 PM EDT
Published : Saturday, 20 Jun 2009, 9:33 PM EDT
Chris Shaw
FAYETTE COUNTY, Ga. (MyFOX Atlanta) - The family of Army Sgt. David Battle said confusion over a charity's gift and their use of injury pay from the Army has placed a dark cloud over the injured veteran's homecoming and his future.
Two years ago, Sgt. Battle lost an arm and two legs when he stepped on a roadside bomb during his second tour in Iraq.
On his first trip back to Georgia, he wasn't sure if he would be cheered or booed.
As soon as Battle touched down in Atlanta, there was applause. A patriot guard escorted him home to Fayette County where everyone from the fire department to the neighbor kids, stopped by with gifts.
It was not what he and his family expected.
"I've been on the Internet, looking at blogs from different people, and one that hit me the most was, 'Sgt. David Battle: Hero or Fraud?'" said Battle. It was a painful question for the soldier.
Battle has been getting treatment at Walter Reed Medical Center. Because he still has years of therapy ahead him, a non-profit charity, "Homes For Our Troops," built a $800,000 house in a Baltimore suburb, near the hospital, for the Battles and their four children.
However, the day before they were set to get the keys to their new home, the charity decided not to give it to the family -- calling them deceptive.
"I'm not a fraud. I didn't hide anything," said Battle.
go here for more
I don't know what to think now. First, all of these people stepped up to build this house thinking Battle did not have a place to live, a home of his own. Then they find out they owned two of them but they said they were not going to live in either of them. The point is, they had two homes they could live in, when other veterans have nothing at all. When they are in the military, they live on base with their families or are given funds to help house them. When they are wounded and discharged, that's it. They are left to find their own.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Spc. James Fair wounded in Iraq, protected at home by donation
Here's a story we don't come across too often but it raises and important issue the wounded do need to think about. Aside from a great human interest story of Tyco making this donation thru Homes For Our Troops, the wounded face additional dangers just living at home. It would be great if we were all aware of this.
Rapid Response Home Fire Sprinkler System Protects Iraq War Veteran
July 2, 2008
In an effort to raise awareness about the importance of installing home fire sprinkler systems and to honor America’s service men and women, Tyco Fire & Building Products donated a Rapid Response Home Fire Sprinkler System to a house built in Ross Township, Pa., for veteran Spc. James Fair by Homes for Our Troops.
Homes for Our Troops provides new or renovated homes that are specially adapted for severely wounded military service members at no cost to veterans and their immediate families.
James Fair suffered life-altering injuries in Fallujah, Iraq, in November 2003 while stringing barbed wire around an ammunition supply point. He stepped onto a makeshift enemy bomb, causing an immediate explosion. He lost his hands and sight in both eyes. Shrapnel also severely injured his right leg and caused a traumatic brain injury.
“For soldiers like James Fair, who have been injured so severely, the challenges are great -- especially in regard to house fires where residents have just minutes to safely escape their homes,” said Darren Palmieri, product manager at TFBP. “James deserves to live in a home that is designed to meet his needs and keep his family safe should a fire occur. We are proud that Rapid Response can now protect a courageous young soldier who has selflessly protected our country.”
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http://www.secprodonline.com/articles/64877/
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