Cpl Joshua Sust

Loveland, OH

Mission Accomplished on June 5, 2021

 
Joshua Sust knew he needed to make a big life change when he found himself getting into the wrong crowd in high school. Motivated to help by the 9/11 attacks, Josh enlisted in the United States Marine Corps as an Infantryman in hopes to better his future and make a difference.

On November 12, 2011, during his deployment to Musa Quala, Afghanistan with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, Cpl Sust was on patrol when his vehicle drove over a pressure plate improvised explosive device (IED). The blast ejected Josh out of the vehicle, resulting in severe damage to his left leg, left arm, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and hearing loss. For over three years, doctors attempted limb salvage on his left leg. During that time, Josh endured constant pain and a decreased quality of life. In August 2015, he made the life-changing decision to amputate below the left knee.

Now medically retired, Josh enjoys spending his days hunting and fishing. His time outdoors is a form of therapy and builds camaraderie with his friends. A huge Bengals football fan, he likes attending games whenever he can. He also motivates others with similar injuries and represents Wounded Warrior Outdoors where he hosts fishing trips and other outdoor activities with Veteran groups.

Josh says that receiving his HFOT home is a game-changer. In his previous home, Josh often got discouraged because he could not use a wheelchair and was forced to use a crutch for everything, including going downstairs to do laundry. With the freedom and independence the home provides him, he has more time and energy to host Amputee Coalition Peer Support groups in his home. Originally from Cincinnati, Josh chose to remain in Ohio to be close to family and friends.

Joshua feels grateful to receive a specially adapted custom home. “First and foremost thank you all for this amazing life-changing gift. Without your donations, none of this would be possible. I will not take this for granted and will pay it forward every way I can. You gave me freedom and independence. It is men and women like you that make this country so great.”

related articles:

  • 2News WDTNN, June 7, 2021 Morris Furniture Company, with the help of the community, is giving a retired veteran a fresh start with 30,000 worth of furniture. Read more.
  • Dayton 24/7 Now, June 7, 2021 The community celebrated a local Veteran who paid an immense sacrifice for our nation today. Read more.
  • WLWT, June 7, 2021 A local Veteran received a life-changing gift on Saturday: a new custom home with specialized adaptations in Hamilton Township. Read more.
  • Local 12 WKRC-TV, June 7, 2021 A local Veteran badly injured in Afghanistan was handed the keys to a new custom home Saturday. It’s a house that will change the retired Marine Corporal’s life. Read more.
  • WLWT, June 3, 2021 A Marine Veteran is getting a new home in Loveland this weekend thanks to a program called Homes for Our Troops.
    Read more.
  • FOX 19 Now, June 2, 2021 As a local Veteran, Marine Corporal Joshua Sust put his life on the line for our country, and now a national non-profit is thanking him for his service with a new home that has been built to meet his needs. Read more.
  • Cincinnati Enquirer, May 23, 2021 North of Loveland sits a white-trimmed blue house with a spacious yard punctuated by a towering silver flagpole. It’s a new build awaiting its final touches. Read more.
  • FOX 19 WXIX, May 23, 2021 Around 125 volunteers from the Loveland community, side by side with Homes For Our Troops, gathered to help with the final touches on a brand new house for local Veteran Joshua Sust. Read more.
  • WCPO, May 22, 2021 Around 125 volunteers from the Loveland community, side by side with Homes For Our Troops, gathered to help with the final touches on a brand new house for local Veteran Joshua Sust. Read more.
  • WKRC, Jan. 10, 2021 A local Veteran who sacrificed his freedom and independence is getting help rebuilding his life, thanks to a nonprofit organization. Read more.
  • WLWT, Jan. 10, 2021 A Marine Veteran is getting a new home in Loveland thanks to a program called Homes For Our Troops. Read more.