Triple amputee veteran and family celebrate groundbreaking ceremony on their new home courtesy of Helping a Hero

THE WOODLANDS, TX – Recently, a groundbreaking ceremony took place at Republic Grand Rance in Willis. The ceremony was for Zach Parker, a retired specialist in the United States Army, and his wife and two sons, who will be receiving a new home courtesy of Helping a Hero, a nonprofit organization, and Bass Pro Shops as part of their ‘100 Homes Challenge.’

The home will be specially adapted for Zach, who is a triple amputee due to wounds he sustained in combat. In 2011, he was deployed to Afghanistan as a medic for his platoon. During a three-day operation near the end of his deployment, his patrol hit a deep-buried IED. The blast severely wounded Parker and injured several others. Zach lost his left arm through the shoulder, right leg at the hip, and left leg above the knee.

Meredith Iler, founder of the Helping a Hero program, kicked off the groundbreaking ceremony as mistress of ceremonies. After the Pledge of Allegiance by retired USMC Sgt Ralph Harris, the singing of the National Anthem by Grace Mixon, and the prayer delivered by retired USMC SSgt Daniel Gilyeat to dozens of people – including a considerable turnout of employees of Design Tech Homes who are constructing the home along with other partners – the speeches were presented.

First off was Gary Summer, managing partner of Patten Properties / Republic Grand Ranch. He was followed by Barabara and Mike Feigin, owners of Design Tech Homes, and J.R. Young, general manager of Bass Pro Shops Katy. Next came a special live musical presentation by Tate Stevens of his song ‘Ordinary Angels.’

Special guest speeches came from Congressman Morgan Luttrell, retired US Army corporal Frank Fields and Tawnee Gonzalez, previous recipients of a home by the Helping a Hero Program, and former major league baseball icon Roger Clemens, who is the current Helping a Hero National Ambassador. After a final speech by Major General Tony Cucolo, US Army (retired), Zach Parker himself thanked the assembly and everyone involved in the project that will end with him and his family in their new home. Clemens also made a special presentation of dugout seats to Zach’s two sons.

After the outdoor ceremony, all were invited into a large air-conditioned tent for a lunchy catered by Joe’s Italian Restaurant.

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