Retired Army Staff Sgt. Earl Granville gave courage and time to his country while serving in Afghanistan, and after a roadside bomb in 2008, he gave even more.
The injuries he suffered during the bombing ultimately led to the amputation of his left leg, but thanks to local volunteer efforts and the nonprofit organization Homes for Our Troops, he will soon enjoy a home adapted to his needs.
Since 2004, Homes for Our Troops has built 110 custom homes for disabled veterans who have served since Sept. 11, 2001. Construction will begin on Mr. Granville's new home in Scott Twp. on June 29, following a brief ceremony. In what Homes for Our Troops calls a "build brigade," the walls, roof and framing of the home will be completed by the end of the weekend.
"It's a three-day event," Homes for Our Troops communications director Jennifer Fiorentino said. On Day One, "we do the ceremonial raising of the first wall of the home. The veteran participates in that process as well."
The homes are built at no cost to the veterans, so donations and volunteers, like Ken Kurtz, 62, of Ken Kurtz Builders, the general contractor, are essential.
"It's a totally compatible house," he said of the design. "It's (a Homes of Our Troops) plan, which is approved nationwide for their veterans. It's all one level and Americans with Disabilities Act approved."
After the initial build brigade, the home will follow a normal construction schedule, which Ms. Fiorentino said could take about four months. In the meantime, Mr. Kurtz and his team are still actively seeking donations of time, labor and supplies. Although he cited a need for a plumber, masons and some appliances, overall he was pleased with the response from residents and businesses thus far.
"We have a lot of people stepping up and volunteering at this point," he said, adding that the Lackawanna Homebuilders Association has played a large role in orchestrating preparation.
Skilled workers are among the needs, but anyone is welcome to help out, Ms. Fiorentino said.
"We really want folks to experience the entire process," she said. "We encourage the community to come out and see what it's all about and get involved in fundraising."
For instance, residents can help by donating or distributing food for the weekend, she said. Not all supplies need to be donated prior to the ground-breaking, because the project will be done in stages, she said.
To find out what items and volunteers are needed, visit homesforourtroops.org/granville.
"It doesn't have to be in a construction capacity," she said of volunteering. "If someone has an idea for a fundraiser or a way to raise awareness, we encourage that. There's nothing too big or too small out there, especially if someone wants to help."
Contact the writer: rbrown@timesshamrock.com