Homes For Our Troops: Community Kickoff Event
Community Kickoff
I get the most joy out of being a photographer when I have the opportunity use my camera to support service driven organizations doing good work in the world. I recently worked with Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) and through an event put on by their organization, got to witness firsthand the way a community will proudly rally behind a good cause.
HFOT is a nonprofit organization who’s mission is all about Rebuilding Lives. They build and donate specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans, to enable them to rebuild their lives. They have been evaluated as one of America’s Top-Rated Veterans and Military Charities, and I can see why after documenting a Community Kickoff Event they organized in Casa Grande, Arizona on June 24th. This event was to honor and celebrate Marine GySgt Nicholas Beberniss, deserved recipient of a custom home being built by HFOT for Beberniss and his family.
The event was held at the beautiful Paramount Theater in old town Casa Grande. Festivities started with a fully escorted entrance by the Casa Grande Fire Department, Police Department, members of the Elks Riders, the VFW, flag bearers and more. Also in attendance was Mayor of Casa Grande Craig McFarland, as well as several sponsor partners. Fox News was on site filming the event as they have been doing a news piece on the story of the Beberniss Family.
A little back history: In 2004 Marine GySgt Nicholas Beberniss was attacked while deployed in Iraq and severely injured in the line of duty. After having his right leg amputated and recovering from a multitude of serious wounds, Beberniss remained in service to the Marines and continued to serve our country until forced to medically retire in 2019 from the aftereffects of his battle wounds. Beberniss was connected with HFOT and through their help is receiving a custom built adapted home, able to support his special accessibility needs.
It’s no wonder the local Marine Corps JROTC Colour Guard showed up at this Community Kickoff event to present the flag and honor this American hero!
In a room filled by enthusiastic community supporters there were remarks from a number of speakers including Mayor Craig McFarland and LT. Galen Flynn of the Casa Grande Police Department. There was also wonderful speeches given by Jason McKinley of ABC Supply Co. Inc, a Platinum National Partner of HFOT, and Alonna Ross of Storage Auctions, a HFOT National Partner.
Leslie Beberniss took the stage and shared reflections on the positive impact this project is having on the life of her entire family. The event closed with remarks from HFOT Executive Director Bill Ivey and moving words of gratitude from Beberniss himself.
The team at Homes For Our Troops did an excellent job putting together this event. If an event could be judged by how many moving and teary eyed moments there were, this one would be a cake topper. There’s nothing quite like the feeling you get from witnessing and being apart of a mission to Rebuild Lives. Especially the lives of our honorable service men and women who have given up everything to preserve the freedom we experience as Americans.
If you would like to make a donation to support HFOT, or find out more about what they’re up to, follow this link.