Homes for the wounded, families
Lance Cpl. Brian Jones
 MARINE
CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- “As a dream becomes a reality,
today we come together to dedicate these houses that will assist our wounded
comrades and their families,” said Father Timothy Hogan, Roman Catholic
chaplain and retired Navy lieutenant commander, during the invocation. “They
gave so much for the peace and the security of our nation and now we give
back to them.”
A ribbon cutting ceremony took place here March 15, at Paradise Point,
where three homes located there were generously donated by Atlantic Marine
Corps Communities to Hope for the Warriors.
“This project is great for bringing the community together in support
of our wounded Marines,” said Col. Adele E. Hodges, commanding officer
of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. “These are our partners out in
the community coming to support these Marines and sailors aboard this
installation and this is a great partnership.”
The 1,100 square foot houses are to serve the military community much
like Fisher Houses that provide free lodging to veterans and military
families while service members receive treatment at military medical centers.
Two of the houses, named Warrior Home I and II, will be used to provide
families free short-term housing to visit their wounded service member
at the Wounded Warrior Barracks and Camp Lejeune Naval Hospital. This
includes families of wounded warriors, fallen warriors and wounded stationed
elsewhere returning here from deployment for their units’ homecomings.
The homes will also be used as transitional adaptive lodging for Wounded
Warriors with spouses and children.
“Our mission is very simple, we create people places. We design,
develop, build, operate and manage great people places for United States
military families,” said Marc Sierra, vice president of Actus Lend
Lease.
The Warrior Homes are furnished by donations from local businesses and
community members. Each house is a comfortable living space of two bedrooms,
office, living room, dining room, kitchen and one bath. The houses are
equipped with a full kitchen, laundry facilities, office with a new computer
system and internet service, family fun box of toys and games, screened
in porch and covered carport.
The Warrior Houses have also been renovated to comply with the Americans
with Disabilities Act to accommodate temporary residents, so they may
spend time there focusing on the needs of their loved ones with little
restriction or unnecessary inconveniences.
The third house will serve as the Warrior House Resource Center that
will contain an intimate counseling setting and a conference area for
the families and use for the Wounded Warrior Spouses’ Support Group.
Personnel working there will also attend to the business of governmental
and corporate organizations offering assistance to all wounded and fallen
service members and their families.
“This is in support of all wounded Marines and their families,” Hodges
said.
There are two wounded Marines and their families already
scheduled to be the first to occupy the homes.
“These homes are here to make sure the wounded and their families
are not alone in their recovery and provide them with people they can
turn to in a time of need, through their challenges and to know their
sacrifices will never be forgotten,” said Shannon Maxwell, Hope
for the Warriors vice president and co-founder. “This was a team
endeavor and it will remain that way.”
The Warrior Houses are dedicated to the families of all the wounded and
fallen service members with respect and gratitude for the sacrifices they've
endured.
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