Homes For Our Troops Dedicates First House

On Thursday, October 13, 2005, Sgt. Pete Damon and his family received the keys to their new home in Middleboro, Mass., constructed by the non-profit organization Homes for Our Troops. A returning American soldier who lost both his arms while serving in Iraq, Damon was the first recipient of a volunteer effort that constructed his specially adapted home to accommodate his physical challenges.

“This is the first of many homes we hope to construct or adapt for returning soldiers with special needs,” according to John Gonsalves, executive director of Homes for Our Troops. “We were able to build the Damon home thanks to the tireless efforts of hundreds of volunteers and the generous donations of product and support from several outstanding companies.”

One Corporate Partner with a strong participation in both the home and dedication ceremonies was Simonton Windows®. The vinyl window manufacturer donated all the windows for the seven-room home.

“There are 31 ENERGY STAR® qualified Simonton windows in this home that offer the Damons the ultimate in energy efficiency and low maintenance,” according to Jim Strader, vice president of organizational development for Simonton Windows. “The majority of units are easy-to-operate Casement windows that Sgt. Damon has already mastered opening with his prosthesis. Participating in the construction of the Damon house was an emotional and rewarding experience for our company and employees. With the Damon house complete, we’re already working on window donations for the next Homes for Our Troops houses.”

The October 13th dedication ceremony included presentations by Governor Mitt Romney of Massachusetts, Senator Marc Pacheco of Massachusetts, John Gonsalves, Jim Strader and the Damon family. Tours of the house followed the dedication and focused on the family exploring their new home.

Sgt. Damon was severely injured almost two years prior to the dedication of his home, on October 21, 2003, while working on a Blackhawk helicopter. He returned to the United States after losing both his arms and embarked on the challenge of rebuilding his life. Together with his wife Jenn and children Allura and Danny, Sgt. Damon will begin his post-National Guard career in the home constructed especially for the family by the Homes for Our Troops organization.

Homes for Our Troops is currently constructing and adapting homes for additional soldiers in several states. Corporate Partners assisting with this effort include Simonton Windows, Fypon®, Hy-Lite® Products, Texas Roadhouse®, Holland + Knight and Mintz Levin. For more information, visit www.homesforourtroops.org.

Named the “best overall national vinyl window manufacturer” in a 2005 industry study, Simonton Windows produces ENERGY STAR® compliant replacement and new construction windows and doors, including a line of Dade County-approved hurricane-resistant products. Founded in 1946, Simonton’s hallmark has been to deliver its made-to-order products in seven days or less.

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Author Notes:

Jim Strader contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.replacement-windows-n-shutters.com. Everything you need for replacement windows; sizing, purchasing, installing and maintaining.