HFOT to donate specially adapted homes for two injured Sailors

FALLBROOK – The national nonprofit organization Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) will donate homes to Navy HM3 Max Rohn and Navy HM3 Redmond Ramos on Saturday, Sept. 14. The event will be held at 362 Sheila Lane, at 9 a.m. (Check-in at 8:30 a.m.) The public is welcome to attend and tour the home after the ceremony.

On May 2, 2009, during his first combat deployment, Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Rohn was serving with the 2nd Marine Headquarters Group in Fallujah, Iraq, when his vehicle was struck by an RKG-3 grenade. HM3 Rohn sustained severe damage to both his legs in the blast. After two years of limb salvage, Rohn made the decision to have doctors amputate his right leg.

On March 26, 2011, near the end of a combat deployment to Sangin, Afghanistan with the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, a fellow Marine stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED). Ramos was maneuvering to assist the injured Marine when he triggered another IED. He lost his left leg below the knee and sustained other injuries in the blast.

Their new homes will feature more than 40 major special adaptations such as widened doorways for wheelchair access, a roll-in shower, and kitchen amenities that include pull-down shelving and lowered countertops. The home will also alleviate the mobility and safety issues associated with a traditional home, including navigating a wheelchair through narrow hallways or over thresholds, riding on carpets, or reaching for cabinets that are too high.

HFOT will donate the home to Rohn and Ramos, thanks to contributions from donors, supporters, and corporate partners.

Rohn wants HFOT’s donors and supporters to know their generosity is life-changing for him. “During my darkest times in the hospital, I could never let myself focus on my future while fighting for my life in the present. Now that I have the possibility of receiving a home, or better yet a future, I’m extremely grateful. I plan to spend the rest of my life dedicated to my family, friends, and community. Thank you, to the moon and back.”

Ramos extends his deepest thanks to HFOT donors and supporters. “I can’t begin to explain how much we thank you. You are changing my life. You are changing my family’s lives.”

Currently, there are over 70 active projects underway nationwide. To find out more on how to get involved or make a donation visit http://www.hfotusa.org.

Submitted by Homes For Our Troops.