Homes for Our Troops
Rhode Island Credit Unions Make the Difference
We have teamed up with Homes for Our Troops, a non-profit organization, which assists severely injured veterans returning from service in Afghanistan and Iraq by building specially adapted, handicap-accessible homes designed to accommodate the veterans' disabilities. These homes are built at no cost to the veterans. Homes for Our Troops has built 40 homes for severely injured veterans and has nearly 30 more projects in process. This organization demonstrates tremendous energy, generosity and know-how!
The CU Association of Rhode Island is a title sponsor for the home currently under construction for Army SSG Michael Downing and his family. SSG Downing lost his legs in combat in Afghanistan during his second tour of duty in 2008. The announcement that the Downing’s home would be the next one built by Homes for Our Troops was made at the Homes for Our Troops Annual Gala in Boston this past June.
Hundreds of volunteers, including many from area credit unions, joined the Homes for Our Troops “Build Brigade” on the weekend of December 11-13, 2009, in Middleboro, MA, to begin construction of the specially adapted home for the Downings. Prior to raising the first wall, an opening ceremony was held with a color guard, National Anthem, and speakers including John Gonsalves, founder and president, Homes for Our Troops; Daniel F. Egan, Jr., president, Massachusetts and New Hampshire Credit Union Leagues and Credit Union Association of Rhode Island; Colonel Jack Hammond, chief of staff, Massachusetts National Guard; and Lt. Colonel Art Elfman, Massachusetts National Guard. A “Build Brigade” is a special event that starts with just a foundation and -- with the help of skilled tradesmen, enthusiastic unskilled volunteers, and lots of elbow grease -- homes are framed, windows and doors are installed, and siding and roofing are put on to make the structure weather-tight in just three days. Workers will complete the Downing home throughout the winter, outfitting it to meet their needs. Completion is expected sometime in the spring of 2010.
The Association will follow the progression of this project to its completion including other opportunities for credit unions to volunteer with landscaping and a special ceremony handling the keys to SSG Downing and his family.
Follow the progess of this project with updates provided by Homes for Our Troops below.
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