Army SPC William Thomas

Murfreesboro, TN

In 2009, Will Thomas enlisted in the Army, inspired by his stepfather’s military service.

On March 30, 2012, during his first combat deployment, Specialist Thomas was serving as a combat engineer with the 95th Engineer Company, 130th Engineer Brigade in Afghanistan when his vehicle drove over an improvised explosive device (IED). He sustained severe injuries to his right leg, vision impairment, and TBI.

Will was airlifted to Camp Leatherneck and then transported to Landstuhl, Germany for additional treatment before returning stateside to Walter Reed Medical Center. After several years of limb salvage surgeries, doctors amputated his right leg above the knee.

Now medically retired, Will enjoys spending time with his wife, Shanelle, their daughter, Leila, and service dog, Charlie. They lead an active outdoor lifestyle with daily walks and trips to the park, yet their current house limits Will’s mobility. He’s unable to use his wheelchair without scraping the walls in the narrow hallways, and the small kitchen can only accommodate one person, making it impossible for Will and Shanelle to prepare meals together.

A specially adapted custom home with a barrier-free environment will give Will the freedom and independence to access every room of the house, particularly the kitchen. He’s looking forward to the open layout, roll-under countertops for the range and sink, and pull-down shelving. “Having an accessible kitchen will help with my daily routine,” he says. “I will have room to maneuver and not have to wait for Shanelle to walk out of the kitchen so I can fit with my wheelchair.”

Originally from Tennessee, Will is choosing to return to his home state to be closer to family.

Will would like to thank HFOT donors and supporters for their generosity and support. “Having an adapted home means I can help out around the house and not have obstacles in my daily life,” he says.

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