Triple amputee Zach Parker to break ground on Helping a Hero home with Roger Clemens

WILLIS, TX -- On Tuessday, July 16th, Helping a Hero, Bass Pro Shops, Republic Grand Ranch and Design Tech Homes will join with an incredible team of vendors to break ground on a wheelchair accessible home for SPC Zach Parker, USA (Ret), a combat wounded triple amputee injured in an IED explosion in Afghanistan leaving him with no legs and only one arm. He is married with 2 young sons, 4 and 6.

SPC Zach Parker, USA (Ret), grew up hunting and fishing. After joining the US Army to fight for the American way of life, he was deployed to Afghanistan as a medic for his platoon. Near the end of his deployment, Zach Parker’s team encountered a deeply buried improvised explosive device (IED) that had shifted due to heavy rains. The explosion severely injured Parker and several others. Zach lost his left arm, his right leg at the hip, and his left leg above the knee, making him one of the rare triple amputees in the country.

After being stabilized at Landstuhl, Parker was stationed at Fort Sam Houston. There he met his wife, Misty, and an incredible love story unfolded, bonded by their shared interests in the outdoors, hunting, and fishing. The Parkers are true outdoor enthusiasts, whether it's a trip to the beach or witnessing wildlife on a forest hike—nature is the heartbeat of their family. This is why owning land at Republic Grand Ranch a dream come true for Zach and Misty, providing them with access to hiking trails, fishing, and archery right in their backyard!

Living in a supportive community that honors veterans means the world to Zach and his family. The developer worked closely with the Parkers to find their perfect homesite, which backs up to five acres of greenspace—ideal for the boys to explore and appreciate nature. This location provides the privacy they cherish while still being conveniently close to the entrance and fully stocked eight-acre fishing lake, a favorite pastime for the Parker family.

Zach appreciates that Design Tech Homes worked closely with Helping a Hero to design a home for accessibility that will enable him to navigate every room with ease, allowing him to be the husband and father he wants to be. He has learned to cherish each day as a gift and knows that an adapted home in such a wonderful community will allow him to live each day to the fullest.

The Parker family is grateful to Republic Grand Ranch and Design Tech Homes for partnering with Helping a Hero to make their dream of living in nature with complete freedom and independence a reality.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, a 500 gallon propane tank and a 26 KW generator was committed to the project by Texas Star Propane to insure that the Parkers will have power and be able to charge his power wheelchair in an emergency.This story will provide hope to all of those who are suffering from the hurricane. Here are just a few examples of how Houston is rallying behind SPC Zach Parker and this groundbreaking in Republic Grand Ranch.

1. Country Music Icon, X Factor Winner and Helping a Hero National Ambassador, Tate Stevens will be on hand to dedicate his infamous song, “Ordinary Angels” to the community and all the vendors who are going to help build this home. It is especially fitting amidst the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl as ordinary angels are all over the Houston area helping those without power and bringing hope to those who know it will take weeks to get back to normal.

2. Joe's Italian Restaurant donated meals for 1500 people without power and power workers yesterday and today is getting up at 5am to go pick up the ingredients to make lunch for our hero, SPC Zach Parker and all those who are coming out to support the groundbreaking. "I was honored to serve those suffering and without power yesterday...and I am honored to serve our wounded warriors today."

3. The community needs to see that amidst the devastation, good prevails. Roger Clemens and Congressman Morgan Luttrell both changed their schedules to attend the groundbreaking as it is important that we take a moment to thank those who have served and sacrificed for our freedom. And we still need to help those with food, water, ice etc… as people continue to suffer from the aftermath of Beryl.

The public is invited and encouraged to attend this patriotic celebration to say “thank you” to SPC Zach for his service and sacrifice for our nation.

The Groundbreaking Ceremony will begin with a short parade led by the Patriot Guard Riders neighbors and community leaders hold handmade signs cheering “Welcome Home, SPC Parker”. Flags will be flying and patriotism will be evident as the community celebrates this veteran and his family.

“I’m so grateful for the generosity of Republic Grand Ranch who donated a beautiful 2 acre lot for my home.” said SPC Parker. “Becoming a part of the Republic Grand Ranch community will be a dream come true. I am especially looking forward to sitting on our back porch and looking out at all the trees and feeling the peace of nature.”

Design Tech Homes worked with Helping a Hero to design this incredible one story adapted home that includes four bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms and spacious family gathering areas. The home will be fully wheelchair accessible and allow Zach to cook in the kitchen and do all of his daily activities independently.

WHEN: Tuesday, July 16, 2024
10:00am (Short Parade will bring Hero to Home; Lunch will be provided in the air conditioned tent next to the groundbreaking ceremony. Water and Gatorade will be on hand for everyone)

WHERE: Follow Helping a Hero Event Signs to the Open Ares with Parking and a Tent. Republic Grand Ranch Main Entrance (From 45 go east on 1097 then follow signs from entrance.

WHO: SPC Zach Parker, USA (Ret)—Home Recipient in Republic Grand Ranch; triple amputee Corporal (CPL) Frank Fields, USA (Ret)— HAH Home Recipient; double amputee
SSgt Daniel Gilyeat, USMC (Ret)—HAH Home Recipient; single amputee
Sgt Ralph Harris, USMC (Ret)—Future HAH Home Recipient
Major General Tony Cucolo, USA (Ret)—Former Commandant US Army War College
Roger Clemens, MLB Icon and Helping a Hero National Ambassador
Congressman Morgan Luttrell, USN (Ret)—US Congressman and Former Navy Seal
Meredith Iler, Founder and National Chair, Helping a Hero Home Program
JR Young—General Manager, Bass Pro Shops Katy
Gary Sumner—Managing Director Republic Grand Ranch
Mike and Barb Feigin—Owners, Design Tech Homes
Tate Stevens—X Factor Winner and National Ambassador of Helping a Hero