Photo By Sgt. Jeff Drew | Local vendors and Marines with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, sign an American...... read more read more
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CAMERON, N.C. – The cheers of the gathered crowds overpowered the roaring of the motorcycles that escorted Lance Cpl. Richie Chavis as he arrived at his new home. Marines with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Chavis’ former unit, joined vendors, friends and family in applause as he arrived to receive the keys.
Chavis, a bilateral amputee, who was injured by an improvised explosive device while in Helmand province, Afghanistan, is the recipient of the fourth home constructed by Operation Coming Home.
Since 2007, Operation Coming Home has provided homes for wounded veterans. More than 98 percent of the materials and labor are donated by more than 50 local companies and vendors.
“We wanted to give a vet who has sacrificed so much, a home to start their life - It’s where we raise our family, where we become part of the community,” said Tim Minton, the president of Operation Coming Home. I have three daughters and the sacrifices that the men and women make in the military so that they can have the freedoms that they have and the freedoms that I have, well it’s just a very small way to say thank you and that we appreciate what they have done.”
This was the first year Operation Coming Home has been able to start and finish a home in one year and the program plans to to finish two homes next year.
“This type of project is an amazing process and being able to watch all this come together and with today being the finale to honor Richie and his service,” mentioned Minton. “There is no way to say thank you for the sacrifice that Richie and others have made, so to be able to provide them with a home is a just a small way that we can do that.”
Chavis and his family couldn’t hide their smiles as they received the keys to his new home. Ready to start their new lives together, Richie joined his wife and two children, entering to explore their new home together.
“It’s not every day that you get a free house,” said Chavis. “I really appreciate all of the people who came out, who spent their time to be here - thank you.”
| Date Taken: | 12.14.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 12.14.2012 09:24 |
| Story ID: | 99302 |
| Location: | CAMERON, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 223 |
| Downloads: | 3 |
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