Homes for Our Troops

When I think of community I think of small town.  I think of how people will rally around a family and how  a genuine spirit of caring and support is poured out when someone needs it the most.  There are some events that I catch my breathe because I'm choked up by how people have come together; the strength of the people is almost visible in the air.  Tears stream down my cheeks at the thought of how a life can change in the blink of an eye. Maybe its my history as a social worker and counselor, but when I see people reaching out to help others for the better I can't help but long to be a part of it.

I was contacted by Homes for our Troops last fall.  They invited me to photograph this event and I was honored to do so.  Homes for our Troops's vision is to build mortgage-free, specially adapted homes nationwide for severely injured Veterans Post 9/11, to enable them to rebuild their lives. Sam Shockley was injured in March 2013 and has been living with his wife Emely in Spanaway.  Homes for our Troops is currently building them a home, specifically suited to fit their needs, in Eatonville, Washington.  And I was there to be a small part of recording the history.