Homes For Our Troops (HFOT), in collaboration with the NFL, celebrated the start of construction on a new specially adapted custom home for retired Marine SSgt Omar Milan, who was injured in Afghanistan, on April 28 in Mansfield, Texas. The Groundbreaking event signifies the start of the build process and provided members of the HFOT organization an opportunity to introduce SSgt Milan and his family to the entire community. The NFL presented HFOT with a $50,000 grant to continue its mission to help post-9/11 Veterans rebuild their lives. Among the attendees were former NFL players Larry Brown and Drew Pearson; Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders; and the Dallas Cowboys’ official mascot, Rowdy. Festivities at the event included a free barbecue lunch for all guests, courtesy of Texas Roadhouse, one of HFOT’s national corporate partners.
About SSgt Milan: During his third tour on Jan. 9, 2012, SSgt Milan, an explosive ordnance disposal specialist, was conducting post-blast analysis in support of the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines, in the Nawa District of Afghanistan when he was in an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion. The blast resulted in the loss of SSgt Milan’s right leg, significant injuries to his left leg, loss of fingers on his left hand, and damage to his right arm.
Now medically retired, Omar lives with his wife Michelle, and their two daughters. In his free time he loves woodworking, which he says helps him deal with stress, and cheering on the Dallas Cowboys, especially tight end, Jason Witten. Omar plans on going to school for mechanical engineering.
The home being built for Omar will feature more than 40 major special adaptations such as widened doorways for wheelchair access, a roll-in shower, and kitchen amenities that include pull-down shelving and lowered countertops. The home will also alleviate the mobility and safety issues associated with a traditional home, including navigating a wheelchair through narrow hallways or over thresholds, or reaching for cabinets that are too high. Mansfield Custom Homes is the build partner for this project.
HFOT has built over 250 homes since the organization’s inception in 2004, and relies on contributions from donors, supporters, and corporate partners for the building of each Veteran’s home. To find out more on how to get involved or make a donation visit www.hfotusa.org.
Read more about Omar’s story at www.hfotusa.org/milan.