Home Building / Adaptation Projects in Colorado

 

Tim Johannsen

Tim "TJ" Johannsen
Branch: Army
Rank: Sergeant
Home: Elizabeth, CO

Army SGT Tim "TJ" Johannsen was on his second deployment when he was left a double amputee after an IED explosion in Iraq in June 2007. Shortly after a position rotation which left him as the driver of an HMMWV, SGT Johannsen’s vehicle rolled over a pressure plated IED that exploded through the floorboard, immediately amputating his right leg below the knee and his left leg above the knee.

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Kade Hinkhouse

Kade Hinkhouse
Branch: Marines
Rank: Lance Corporal
Home: Elizabeth, CO

Marine Lance Corporal Kade Hinkhouse was in Ramadi, Iraq in October 2005 when while patrolling on a late night mission, the vehicle in which he was riding as part of a convoy was hit by a dual stacked IED. The HUMVEE exploded, ejecting LCpl Hinkhouse and leaving him near death with injuries including a depressed skull fracture, collapsed lungs and a severe leg injury.

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John Jones

John Jones
Branch: Marines
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Home: Fort Collins, CO

SSgt John P. Jones was serving in Iraq with the 1st Battalion/ 7th Marines when he was severely injured on January 3, 2005. John was in the 7th vehicle of a 35-vehicle convoy when it hit a double-stacked anti-tank mine. The mine that exploded under his hummer launched him 25 feet through the top of the vehicle.

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Matthew Keil
Branch: Army
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Home: Parker, CO

On his second tour of duty the 25-year-old soldier was hit by sniper fire near Ramadi, Iraq. The injury left him a quadriplegic, though he has regained some use of his left arm. Homes for Our Troops is proud to build this Hero a home adapted to his needs.

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Travis Strong
Branch: Army
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Home: Golden, CO

SSG Strong, 29, was in the middle of his second tour in Iraq when the Stryker armored combat vehicle he was patrolling in was hit by a roadside bomb called an explosively formed penetrator.

He lost both of his legs in that explosion and has undergone months of rehabilitation, recovery and therapy to learn how to use his new prosthetics.

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Christopher Fesmire
Branch: Marines
Rank: Sergeant
Home: Hartsel, CO

Sgt Fesmire joined the Marines when he was 19 years old because he wanted to get out and see the world and have some adventures. He served for 4 years and then was called back in 2004 to serve in Kuwait. Chris says that being called back to the Marines was like "coming home."

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News and Updates

Homes for Our Troops breaks ground in Elizabeth
Initial stages of construction started in earnest yesterday as the Homes for Our Troops project to build a home for LCpl Kade Hinkhouse began with groundbreaking.

Home for veteran being built in Elizabeth
The Homes for Our Troops organization is coordinating a build for LCpl Kade Hinkhouse in Elizabeth. The organization coordinates donations of money, skills, services and materials to provide a home for a veteran who has become disabled in the line of duty. The homes, which are specially adapted for severely injured veterans are provided at no cost to the veterans.

Injured Marine and family go home
Staff Sergeant John Jones and his family received a special gift Saturday. They picked up the keys to their new home. A home paid for by Homes for our Troops.

Volunteers Build Home For Fort Collins Soldier
Specially Adapted House A 'Dream Come True'

Volunteers Help Repay a Disabled Veteran's Sacrifice
After an enemy bullet left Staff Sergeant Matt Keil paralyzed, an army of volunteers found a way to repay his sacrifice.

Wounded soldier learns to appreciate small things
When we last checked in on Army Staff Sgt. Matthew Keil in the fall of 2007, the former Swanton resident and Anthony Wayne High School graduate was thrilled to be participating with another wounded soldier in the first-pitch ceremonies before Game 3 of the World Series at Coors Field in Denver.

Soldier Wounded In Iraq Gets Brand New Home
Matt and Tracy Keil are in a new home, thanks to the kindness of strangers. Fifteen months ago, the Keils returned to Colorado to make a new life after Matt nearly died in Iraq. His injuries left him a quadriplegic.

Volunteers build house that perfectly suits needs of couple dealing with war injury
Believe it when Tracy Keil said she's looking forward to the second- happiest day of her life. Saturday, she and husband Matt will move into their new home, courtesy of Homes for Our Troops and a slew of volunteers who built the place from scratch.

Severely Injured Colorado Veteran to Receive Home from Homes for Our Troops
Non-profit group announces successful completion of SSG Matthew Keil's specially adapted home thanks to efforts of community and corporate sponsors

Injured Veterans Receive Keys to Specially Adapted Homes During National Conventions
Homes for our Troops has been working feverishly with volunteers to complete two "green' specially adapted barrier free homes for two seriously injured veterans in time for both the up coming Democratic and the Republican National conventions.