Homes for Troops

Normally this blog isn't used to promote Coors Credit Union happenings but Homes for Troops is so super cool that you need to know about it. And just in case you've missed the posters and little plastic houses around the Credit Union and other places, I thought I'd catch you up.

The photo below is of Staff Sergeant Travis Strong. SSG Strong is a double amputee as the result of injuries sustained during a rocket-propelled grenade attack on his Stryker vehicle in November 2006. This was his second tour of duty in Iraq for the U.S. Army.

SSG Strong and his family live in Golden and were selected by Homes for Troops to receive a brand new specially adapted home. Homes for Troops is a non-profit organization. They raise donations of money, land, building materials and professional labor. They also coordinate the process of building a new home or adapting an existing home for handicapped accessibility.

It all started when successful construction professional, John Gonsalves, was searching for some meaningful way to help others after viewing the 911 tragedy. Like many of us he watched as country went to war wondering what he could do to help. He didn't find anything that seemed to match with his abilities so he started his own organization--Homes for Troops.

The very very cool thing about the Homes for Troops projects is that it gives the community a specific and personal way to show our appreciation for those that serve our country. The home for SSG Strong, his wife Misty and there two children will be built at no cost to the family.

You can help with cash donations (that's what those little plastic houses are for) or come on out and volunteer. It's not a barn building--that stuff is left to the professionals. Volunteers are needed Sunday, June 22 from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. for site cleanup, volunteer check in, food coordination, parking control, event prep etc. Make it a family event and bring children age 16 and up (a parent or guardian must be with them during the entire shift).

For more information contact Diana Midge, Coors Credit Union Director of Corporate Relations, at (303) 384-4583 or via e-mail at Diana@coorscu.org.