SPC Thomas Vandeventer

Royse City, TX

Mission Accomplished on May 1, 2021

 
On Feb. 6, 2007, Army Specialist Thomas Vandeventer, an armor crewman, was serving with the 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in Baghdad, Iraq, when explosively formed projectiles (EFPs) struck the vehicle he was driving. The blast resulted in the loss of both his legs.

Once he returned to the United States, Thomas was treated at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio where he underwent more than 20 surgeries.

Now medically retired, Thomas enjoys spending time with his wife LeAnn and their two children, Isabelle and John. Living in a non-adaptive home placed limitations on the activities he could do with his family. In his previous living situation, Thomas had to climb on countertops since he could not reach the shelves. This created stress not only for him, but his family as well. LeAnn never wanted to leave Thomas alone for fear he would hurt himself. Receiving a specially adapted custom Homes For Our Troops home with pull-down shelves and roll-under sinks provides a safe environment for Thomas. With these challenges mitigated, he has more energy to interact with his children and pursue his goals. He is hoping to make his hobby of gunsmithing a career. “This gift gives me the motivation to go to school and I now have the space and capability to hone my skills,” he says.

Originally from Dallas, Thomas chose to remain in Texas and build his home close to family.

Thomas and LeAnn say Homes For Our Troops is a “Godsend” and they are grateful to the organization’s donors and supporters. “My family will never be able to thank you enough for your contributions, but we will live in this home and take care of it. We will live life and make memories,” Thomas says.

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