SGT Rex Tharp

North Manchester, IN

Following in the footsteps of his grandfather and brother, Rex Tharp enlisted in the Army as an Infantryman directly after high school.

On January 10, 2012, during his first combat deployment, Sergeant Tharp was serving with the 2-87th Infantry, 10th Mountain division in Kandahar, Afghanistan, when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated. He lost his right leg above the knee, damaged his left leg, and sustained several other injuries in the blast. SGT Tharp arrived at Walter Reed Medical Center within days of his injuries, enduring multiple surgeries and skin grafts over several months.

Now medically retired, Rex is a member of several billiard leagues and recently joined the Color Guard at his local American Legion to help pay his respects to deceased Veterans by participating in military funerals. Although Rex enjoys an active lifestyle, his current multilevel home poses significant challenges with narrow doorways and a second-floor shower, making daily tasks stressful and physically tiring. One of Rex’s primary concerns is the impact of these challenges on his body, especially as he ages.

A specially adapted custom home with a single-level, open layout will give Rex the ability to move freely from room to room. Rex is looking forward to a barrier-free environment, allowing him to do more from his wheelchair, and giving him the time and energy to sing and play guitar as well as focus on his health and fitness.

Rex is choosing to build his home in Indiana where he grew up.

Rex would like HFOT’s donors and supporters to know their support is changing lives. “There really wouldn’t be a good enough way to express not only my gratitude but my appreciation for everything they have allowed to be possible.”

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