Associates step up to help during Homes For Our Troops Volunteer Days

In the two decades since 9/11, thousands of U.S. servicemen and women have returned home with serious injuries that add difficulty into their everyday lives.

For ABC Supply and the more than 1,670 veterans who have joined our team since 2017, our Core Values of Give Back and American Pride have found a natural partner in Homes For Our Troops (HFOT), a nonprofit dedicated to building and donating specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans, enabling them to rebuild their lives.

With projects across the country, HFOT has built 322 homes to date, with 75 more currently underway. We’re proud that several of these customized new homes have been constructed with the help of ABC Supply as part of our multimillion-dollar commitment to give back to veterans through HFOT.

Last month, nearly two dozen ABC Supply associates joined HFOT’s Volunteer Day to support Marine Lance Corporal Bobby McCardle. Read on to learn about the meaningful impact that a new home will have on Bobby and his young family.

LCPL Robert “Bobby” McCardle – Muskego, Wisconsin

Serving on his second deployment in Iraq in 2007, Bobby’s vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED). He lost his right leg to the blast and continues to suffer from severe internal and brain injuries.

Forty surgeries later, Bobby is on the road to recovery and looking to continue to make a positive impact. His wife, Stephanie, and their two kids have been a constant source of support for Bobby through his long ordeal. His new, custom Homes For Our Troops home will help him regain his independence, care for his family and take on new community volunteer opportunities.

“Homes For Our Troops grants us the ability to dream again,” Bobby shared. “Veterans were asked to take care of this nation, and in return for their sacrifice, the American people are taking care of those veterans.”

The Volunteer Day, which was organized with the help of ABC Supply’s Wisconsin District Manager Jeff Ploch, helped make some important finishing touches on the new property, which was unveiled to Bobby and his family at a Key Ceremony in December.

At the ceremony, friends, family and supporters gathered in the home’s driveway to celebrate the McCardles’ arrival. An American flag was raised, and Bobby cut a ribbon to officially welcome the family into their new home. Diane Hendricks, chairman of ABC Supply, spoke about the company’s pride in supporting the military. On receiving the home, Bobby said, “It’s really life-changing. The future looks bright.”

Additionally, ABC Supply’s partnership with HFOT has touched the lives of numerous other veterans and their families throughout 2021. Read below about a few of the former servicemen who we’re fortunate to have supported.

SGT Brandon Korona

Brandon was on his first tour in Afghanistan when an explosion from an IED broke his right ankle and every bone below his left knee, ultimately leading to a lower left leg amputation. The long and painful recovery was complicated even more by difficulties in moving about his previous living space.

In his new Homes For Our Troops home – which was landscaped with the help of ABC Supply associates – Brandon has new freedom to live comfortably and raise his son with his wife, Chelsea.

1stSgt Ben Holmes

Ben was stationed in Afghanistan on his sixth deployment when an IED blast inflicted severe lower-body injuries. After a year of surgeries, he elected to amputate his right leg.

Transitioning between a prosthetic to a wheelchair makes life at home difficult for Ben. A new Homes For Our Troops home has made a world of difference in creating a barrier-free space for Ben to pursue a doctoral degree, teach and care for his family. ABC Supply associates were proud to support Ben’s new home and attend his Key Ceremony in September.

Cpl Kionte Storey

Like so many others, Kionte’s second deployment in Iraq was interrupted by an IED that took his right leg.

Never to be slowed down, Kionte has taken his injury in full stride by pushing himself to his physical limits through mountain climbing, marathons and Paralympics events. Yet, life at home was a constant barrier and risked further injury. With a helping hand from ABC Supply associates, Kionte now has a customized Homes For Our Troops home that has allowed him to regain his independence.

In addition to HFOT, ABC Supply shows its commitment to giving back to veterans and our nation’s military through programs and resources including Military.com, RecruitMilitary and the U.S. Army PaYS Program. If you are a veteran or know someone interested in joining ABC Supply, visit our Careers page to view position openings.

You can also click here to read about other inspiring heroes like Bobby, Brandon, Ben and Kionte who have been supported by ABC Supply associates giving back.