Helping a Hero building home for returning veteran

prathbun@starlocalnews.com

Retired Sgt. Brian Fleming is looking forward to raising a family in Celina.

He and his wife, Jamie, and their two children will be moving into a home currently under construction in the Carter Ranch subdivision.

Last Monday, Sept. 17 Helping a Hero.org volunteers held a groundbreaking ceremony in Carter Ranch for the home that is being designed and built especially for him and his family.

After suffering the main force of a suicide bomber in Afghanistan detonating a bomb about six feet from where he stood he suffered severe burns on his face and hands and his lungs were also permanently damaged. This happened to the Purple Heart recipient, not once, but twice.

He spent more than a year in the hospital recovering from his wounds.

That was six years ago. Fleming has since become a motivational speaker and works to help other returning veterans transition back into society.

“I’m looking forward to having a stable place to live,” Fleming said.

He tells other veterans, “You’re not going to be the same person you were as when you left.”

He said the best thing that he can do to honor the soldiers who did not survive was to move forward with his life in as positive a way as possible.

Mayor Jim Lewis presented Fleming with a proclamation at the groundbreaking ceremony. Celina Executive Director David Whiteman gave him passes to the upcoming Celina Balloon Festival that includes a balloon ride, food and unlimited carnival rides.

“We in Celina just want to love on you and your family,” Whiteman said.

Retired SFC John Wayne Walding of Little Elm introduced Fleming. Walding received a HelpingaHero.org home in Little Elm earlier this year. He is a Silver Star and Purple Heart recipient.

Fleming’s under-construction home is one of about 60 homes that have been awarded to veterans in 15 states by HelpingaHero.org. His home is being built by Siena Homes.

Houston resident Meredith Iler, who acted as emcee for the groundbreaking, founded the HelpingaHero.org Home Program.

“Having a home is helping prevent divorce among returning veterans,” Iler said.

She said HelpingaHero is the second largest national organization dedicated to helping veterans.

“We’re very committed to empowering people to move forward,” she said.

The homes are presented to veterans with a very reasonable mortgage rate. Iler said veterans sign a 10-year contract with HelpingaHero.org. The organization helps with whatever else the veteran may need.

The homes are especially adapted to whatever injuries the veteran may be facing. Many of the homes accommodate a homeowner in a wheelchair. Fleming’s home will be equipped with extra air conditioners to keep the home extra cool year round. The cooler temperatures make it easier for him to breathe and to stay cool. His body has lost the ability to sweat due to his war injuries.

Attorney Iler explained why she is involved with HelpingaHero.org.

“I’m not in Iraq getting shot at. It’s the least I can do. I believe in leadership by example.”

For information on donating to the organization or applying for a home, visit HelpingaHero.org.

Current Rating: 0 of 0 votes!

Rate File: Select Rating: * ** *** ****

 Plano Apartments
 Plano Attorneys
 Plano Auto Dealers
 Plano Auto Parts
 Plano Auto Repair
 Plano Beauty Salons
 Plano Car Rental
 Plano Dentists
 Plano Doctors
 Plano Flowers
 Plano Hotels
 Plano Insurance
 Plano Loans
 Plano Mortgages
 Plano Movers
 Plano Pizza
 Plano Realtors
 Plano Restaurants
 Plano Storage
 Plano Tax Preparation
 Plano Travel
 Featured
 More...