Rebuilding Lives Video Release: Army Specialist Steven Baskis’ story

Categories: Blog, Home, Veteran topic
Ever since Army Specialist Steven Baskis lost his eyesight while serving in Iraq when an explosively formed penetrator (EFP) detonated next to his vehicle, he has had to reestablish his new normal. Journeying to the tops of mountains – hiking, climbing, and working the back country – is a crucial part of his recovery. Steven considers his specially adapted …

Read More

The Army-Navy Game: How a 47 year old prank is helping Build Homes and Rebuild Lives

Categories: Blog, Home
On November 30, 1974, what started as a memorable and well-executed Army-Navy pre-game prank by 40 Navy midshipmen impersonating Army cadets prior to kickoff, soon morphed into the seamless capture of 36 Army company guidons (unit flags). While the Army eventually recovered most of the captured guidons, a few never found their way back to …

Read More

Homes For Our Troops on ABC World News Tonight

Categories: Blog, Home
Several companies were recently featured on World News Tonight’s “Made in America” for their philanthropic efforts to give back to their communities this holiday season. Ispwich River Craft, a company that creates nautical flag signs to spell out personalized messages, is donating $25 to Homes For Our Troops’ mission for every Servicemember nautical flag sign …

Read More

Homes For Our Troops 5th Annual Celebrity Auction on eBay raises over $450,000

Categories: Blog, Home
Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) raised over $450,000 during its 5th Annual Veterans Day Celebrity Auction on eBay from Nov. 4-14, 2021. Jake Tapper, George Clooney, Wynonna Judd, Don Cheadle, and Mindy Kaling, headlined the event to support HFOT. In partnership with eBay for Charity, participants bid on personal Zoom experiences, set visits, luxury items, and autographed …

Read More

Honoring those who served on Veterans Day

Categories: Blog, Home

Most folks know that November 11th is Veterans Day, but some may not know its origins over 100 years ago. The date initially recognized the anniversary of the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 when the guns finally fell silent in Europe to end the “War to End All Wars”, and was known as Armistice Day. Both of my grandfathers were in France that day, one as a medic with an Infantry battalion and the other as an Infantryman. Unfortunately, WWI was not the war to end all wars, and the United States has been involved in a number of wars and military operations around the world in the ten decades since. In 1954, Congress changed the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day, making it an observance honoring those who have served in the Armed Forces.

Millions of brave women and men have served in uniform and defended our Country, taking a pledge to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Many were called upon to defend our country during times of armed conflict, all sacrificing precious time with their families, and too many losing their lives, limbs, mobility, or health. Some joined; some were drafted. Since July, 1973, every one of them has volunteered to serve our great Nation. These outstanding Americans vary in age, gender, ethnicity, economic background, religion, national origin, and every other conceivable category. But all have one thing in common: they selflessly joined the military to fight for their country, asking for nothing in return.

As a supporter of Homes For Our Troops, YOU are making a difference for the Veterans who have been severely injured in the Iraq and Afghanistan theaters of war. Your efforts help us restore some of the freedom and independence these Veterans have sacrificed while defending our freedoms. Because of you, Homes For Our Troops has been able to build and donate over 320 specially adapted custom homes in 42 states for these severely injured Veterans, and continue to assist them in rebuilding their lives.

Please take time today to thank a Veteran. Their patriotism and valor are the reason we enjoy the freedoms we have today. To all of you Veterans out there, I salute YOU for your service and sacrifice.

Happy Veterans Day.

Sincerely,
Bill Ivey
Executive Director
Homes For Our Troops


See below for a special Veterans Day message from HFOT Chairman of the Board, General USA, Ret. Richard A. Cody.