CPL Kevin McCloskey

Southampton, PA

Mission Accomplished on Jan. 12, 2019

On June 8, 2008, Army Corporal Kevin McCloskey was driving in a convoy with the 506^th Infantry Regiment (4th Brigade), 101^st Airborne Division, in Logar Province, Afghanistan, when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device (IED). The explosion resulted in the loss of both his legs, vision loss in his right eye, burns all over his body and a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Stateside at Brooke Army Medical Center, CPL McCloskey underwent 30 surgeries during his stay. He credits his physical therapists and fellow Veterans for aiding his recovery.

Even though Kevin has made significant progress since being injured, he still faced challenges within his home. In his previous inaccessible kitchen, he would often burn himself when cooking with the stove and appliances difficult to reach from his wheelchair.

A specially adapted custom HFOT home has allowed him to cook easily and safely with the roll-under sink and lowered countertops. The single level open floor plan enables him to access every room in the house safely, making daily tasks easier. Without the burden of a mortgage, Kevin can dedicate time to helping other Veterans and amputees through the Eastern Amputee Golf Association’s First Swing clinics.

He’s also involved with the PGA Helping Our Patriots Everywhere (HOPE) Program, an organization aimed at introducing golf to Veterans with disabilities to enhance their physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being. Kevin is the proud father to Fionn, born in 2021.

Kevin says he can’t put into words what it means to have received a home adapted to his injuries.

This home makes everyday living that much easier to cope with. I can’t tell you how many times I would get stressed out while just trying to iron a pair of pants. These houses really take away the stress of everyday activities. It’s huge for the Veterans and their loved ones to know they have a safe place to live.

related articles:

• FOX 29, Jan. 12, 2019 An Army Corporal and his wife can officially call a new space “home.” On Saturday morning, the national nonprofit, Homes For Our Troops, donated a home to Corporal Kevin McCloskey and his wife Bridget. Read more.