By KELLY LORENSON
Guest Writer
In 2003 Staff Sgt. Heath Calhoun lost both his legs when a rocket-propelled grenade hit his Humvee while he was serving in Iraq.
After this tragedy, his life would be changed forever and his family’s concerns would shift from the worries of daily life to his full recovery.
The Build Brigade, a non-profit organization that builds new homes for disabled veterans, is stepping in to ease the minds of Calhoun and his family. From Friday, April 23, through Sunday, April 25, the Brigade came to Clarksville to construct the veteran a brand new home in the neighborhood of his choice.
Calhoun was chosen as a recipient of the Build Brigade’s mission because he is an injured veteran who, despite the loss of both his limbs, has overcome great obstacles and has an incredible story to tell, according to Vicki Thomas, the group’s public affairs officer.
“Not only is he an injured veteran, but he is now a new role model in excellence,” Thomas said, he recently participated in the Paralympics in skiing. “He excels in everything he does in addition to being a wonderful family man.”
The home will be completely free to Calhoun. Even when the keys are handed over to the veteran, there will be no mortgage payments in the future.
Calhoun’s new house will be specially adapted for the injured veteran with a barrier free design, allowing him to move freely and comfortably in his own home.
“We want to give this home to Calhoun to show our appreciation of the sacrifice he made for his country and to help him regain the freedom and independence he fought for us to have,” Thomas said.
Construction began on Friday, April 23, volunteer crews worked for three days to erect the house, starting out with only a bare foundation on the first day.
The construction operated solely from both professional volunteers certified to build and from non-professionals in the surrounding community.
Hundreds of volunteers united to complete the home for this cause.
The community participated by bringing water, coolers, ice, baked goods, paper towels, hand sanitizer, and trash bags to the site, as all the items were greatly needed.
The site of the new home is 0 Walter Road off Highway 12 toward Cheatham County.
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