Local Veteran to Receive a Custom Adapted Home

MONTGOMERY, TX -- In a moving ceremony at Lake Creek High School this past Saturday, retired U.S. Army Sergeant Timothy Brumley, was recognized for his service and sacrifice to Our Nation. Representatives from Homes For Our Troops (HFOT), an organization dedicated to outfitting Our Nation’s most severely injured post-9/11 Veterans, with specialty built homes; were on site to announce, along with corporate partners HEB and Patriot Coolers, the gift of a mortgage-free home for Brumley and his family. The home is being built in Montgomery, and a large enthusiastic crowd greeted The Veteran and his family, who were escorted to the LCHS entrance, by the Lonestar Cowgirls on horseback, and representatives from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Montgomery Police and Fire, GAP custom homes, and Chapter 2329 of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association.

Sgt. Brumley was in Afghanistan in May 2005, on a quick reaction force infantry operation, to help his fellow soldiers when he was severely wounded by a booby trap explosion, which resulted in the amputation of his left leg below the knee. A man in good spirits despite his predicament, Brumley, along with his wife, Teresa, and their children, Colton, Jacob, and Olivia,’ has adapted to life as an amputee.

After returning to the states, Brumley and his family resided in San Antonio, for him to recover and adapt to his life as an amputee. They moved to Colorado for a year, then moved back to Texas in 2008. They’ve lived in Montgomery County since, but in a home not suited for a severely Disabled Veteran, and life can be a bit difficult. From showering to cooking, activities of daily living for an amputee in a wheelchair can cause some frustration for not only the Veteran, but everyone in the family.

“I have been offered homes by other organizations, but I was weary and said ‘No,’” said Sgt. Brumley in reference to finding the right agency to deal with. “I then heard of Homes For Our Troops from a War Buddy, and decided to go with them.”

HFOT, is a national nonprofit, whose mission is to build specially adapted custom homes to severely injured post-9/11 Veterans, which enables them and their families to live more productive lives. Sgt. Brumley loves to cook, and shower of course; and having a home fit to his individual needs, like rolling his wheelchair into a shower instead of having to hop in, is a great comfort. Not to mention, having a kitchen where Brumley is able to reach for ingredients, and cook on a stove with ease is a GodSend to the family.

“Montgomery County is a place that understands the gravity of sacrifices made by our Veterans,” said State Representative Will Metcalf, in speaking to Sgt. Brumley. “You are surrounded by a community that stands with you, and is ready to support you in every step of your journey.”

There will be over 40 major special adaptations to the new Brumley household, such as widened doorways and hallways for wheelchair access, seamless floor transitions, kitchen amenities such as pull-down shelving and lowered countertops. And many other thresholds, or reaching for cabinets that are too high.

Corporate partners like HEB and Patriot Coolers each play a part in helping HFOT get homes to deserving Veterans. HEB has helped give over 40 homes to severely wounded Veterans since 2013 through their ‘Operation Appreciation’ giving program; while Patriot Coolers, donates a portion of each sale of their products to HFOT, and has given over $400,000 since 2018.

“Today marks the change of a life-changing experience for you and your family,” said HEB Public Affairs Specialist Vicky Luna, speaking to Timothy. “HEB is deeply thankful for your service and the sacrifices you and your family have made on behalf of Our Nation.”

Over 350 homes have been built by HFOT, and they are committed for the long haul in keeping an eye on Veterans and their families, and actually monitoring their quality of life. They send out surveys to get the real scoop on how Veterans and their families are dealing with life. And the numbers don’t lie. Things like reduced household stress have dropped by 95%. Freedom and Independence have increased by over 90%. In reference to education or obtaining a degree or certification, it has quadrupled since families have received their new houses. No home worries have increased financial stability, decreased debt, and increased family savings. Employment rates have risen 123% for Veterans and over 270% for family members. And community involvement and volunteering amongst Veterans in new homes has more than tripled with 76% giving back their time to Veterans projects and the community. Veterans have found time to start and grow their family in HFOT homes, with over 240 babies being born since 2010.

“Being in a non-adapted home has presented its challenges for my husband,” said Teresa Brumley. “Simple things like stepping into the shower, or moving from one room to another, or cooking; things that you and I take for granted, are a daily challenge for Tim.”

The motto of HFOT is ‘Building Homes, Rebuilding Lives,’ and they do it with fiscal integrity, energy efficiency, and Veterans choice of home location, in mind. The organization spends nearly 90 cents of each dollar raised on programs for Veterans. Each home is energy efficient with appropriately sized appliances and utilities, so as not to be a burden to the Veteran. And Veterans actually choose the location of their home, plus they receive pre and post-home delivery financial planning and home maintenance education to ensure long-term success as homeowners. HFOT maintains its relationships with homeowners. They just don’t turn the key and disappear, but they link the Veterans and their family resources to actually enable them to help them get better, and remain that way.

“HEB has been great partners since 2015,“ said HFOT Executive Director Bill Ivey. “They assist us throughout the process and are very generous in helping us pay for the homes.” Ivey went on to thank Patriot Coolers founder Peter Hirsh, for his company's generous donations over the years.

HFOT has built hundreds and hundreds of homes since the organization's founding in 2004, and relies on contributions from donors, supporters, and corporate partners for the building of each Veterans home. To find out more on how to get involved or make a donation, visit www.hfotusa.org.

Ruben can be reached at: ruben@montgomerycountynews.net