We’re Giving Back and Helping Severely Injured Post-9/11 Veterans Rebuild Their Lives

With 319 homes built and 71 projects underway nationwide, Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) is helping Veterans rebuild their lives. And we’re helping make these projects possible through our partnership with HFOT.

HFOT is a nonprofit organization that builds and donates specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans. These custom homes enable Veterans to focus on their recovery and restore independence.

We’re proud to be living our Give Back and American Pride Core Values by helping make these builds possible and welcoming the families into their new homes.

“These projects are really special for our associates to be a part of,” said Mike Jost, ABC Supply chief operating officer. “We are so thankful for our Veterans and honored to have the opportunity to help build these homes.”

Get to know four of the Veterans we’ve helped build homes for so far this year.

SPC Stephen Peterson — Land O’ Lakes, Florida

Stephen Peterson enlisted in the United States Army after high school in 2010 as a combat engineer. He loved the brotherhood and community the military provided and wanted to do something positive for his country. On July 1, 2011, Stephen lost his right leg and sustained other serious injuries from an improvised explosive device (IED).

Worried about being able to provide for his wife once he returned to the United States, a custom Homes For Our Troops home was the reassurance he needed.

ABC Supply Central Florida District manager Bob Landrum and a group of ABC Supply associates — who also happened to be Veterans — helped welcome Stephen and his family into their new HFOT home by participating in the 40+ car parade around his neighborhood and attending his Key Ceremony, where he was presented with the keys to his finished home. Bob and others involved in the project also spoke at the event. He added that it was an incredible opportunity for him and the associates to meet with the Veteran and be part of this experience.

“The attention to detail HFOT has is incredible. They think through all the small details to make sure the home is accessible and comfortable for the Veterans,” shared Bob.

LCPL Robert “Bobby” McCardle — Muskego, Wisconsin

Bobby McCardle’s desire to serve in the military started after the 9/11 attacks. A few years later, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps as an infantryman. On April 24, 2007, a blast from an IED resulted in the loss of his right
leg, internal injuries and a traumatic brain injury. Now retired, Bobby is focused on spending time with his family and serving his community. Bobby’s specially adapted custom home not only relieves challenges he had in his previous home, but it enables him to fulfill his aspirations and build a bright future.

CPL Joshua Sust — Loveland, Ohio

Joshua Sust enlisted in the United States Marine Corps as an Infantryman following the 9/11 attacks hoping to make a difference. On November 12, 2011, Joshua’s vehicle drove over an IED, resulting in severe damage to his left leg and left arm, traumatic brain injury and hearing loss.

After sustaining these injuries, Joshua had a difficult time getting around his home in his wheelchair. His buddy had previously worked with Homes For Our Troops on a project and encouraged Joshua to reach out. Throughout the building project, Joshua was involved in design decisions to make sure the house would fit his lifestyle and family’s taste.

As the project entered the home stretch, a group of ABC Supply associates, their families and other community members volunteered to help landscape – rolling sod, planting flowers and raking.

On the day of his Key Ceremony, an ABC Supply truck showed up to hang the American flag 50 feet over the driveway. ABC Supply Ohio Valley District Manager Mike Fontenot and other associates also attended, toured the house and welcomed Joshua home.

“Everybody was really excited that we’re supporting a worthy cause, and it was awesome to be involved in a local project and give back our time too,” shared Mike Fontenot. He added, “It was great to see Joshua get support back from a community that he’s given so much for.”

SGT Christopher Hancock — Jacksonville, North Carolina

After watching both his parents serve in the United States Army, Christopher Hancock enlisted in the United States Marine Corps as a combat engineer in 2005. On June 26, 2011, Christopher lost both of his legs after kneeling on an IED. Now medically retired, Christopher says his son is his motivation for everything he does. In his previous home, Christopher didn’t have enough space for his wheelchair. With the open floor plan of his Homes For Our Troops home, Christopher is able to do activities with his son comfortably.

In addition to HFOT, we demonstrate our dedication to our nation’s military by partnering with other Veteran support programs including Military.com, RecruitMilitary and the U.S. Army PaYS Program. To learn more about our military commitment and career opportunities, visit our careers page.