Homes for our Troops helps local

By Lisa Reyes
06/13/2008

WAXHAW, N.C -- An injured soldier has a free new home in Union County thanks to Homes for our Troops.

The group builds specially adapted homes for veterans like Sgt. John Roberts, who was injured in Iraq in 2005. Now, he has a place to enjoy nature, tucked quietly away in Waxhaw.

"It’s nice being able to drive my chair around," said the 24-year-old who was injured while in Baghdad and is now confined to a wheelchair and speaks through a keyboard. His parents gave up their missionary work overseas to care for him full time, but their home was not properly equipped.

That’s not a problem anymore thanks to Homes for our Troops, local organizations and volunteers who helped donate everything. Jerry Lindsey with the Union County Home Builders Association says no one turned down requests for funds, donations or time. The money that wasn’t used for Roberts’ home will be used to help build homes for other veterans.

Homes for our Troops has completed 27 specially-adapted homes. Another 30 are still under construction. The next stop is Jacksonville, where officials are slated to break ground on six more homes.

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