Group hoping to help build homes for veterans
Nearly six years after being shot in the face in Iraq, retired Marine Cpl. Donny Daughenbaugh is receiving a gift from a group of Americans who wanted to acknowledge his bravery.
The Bay Area Builders Association in Texas has built him a mortgage-free house in the Lone Star State through its Operation Finally Home program.
Daughenbaugh, 28, said he is awed by the generosity of the group.
"It's very inspirational to the human spirit to see that type of good-heartedness coming out of everyday Americans," he said.
Daughenbaugh recently spoke to a group in Naperville that wants to give others who served in the military that same gift.
Naperville Responds For Our Veterans hopes to build 10 homes it will donate to wounded servicemen or women.
"They're going to do much more for our community than we could ever do for them," said Patrick Bowler, vice chairman of the group.
The group formed about seven months ago after hearing of a similar effort in St. Charles and borrowed part of its name from the Naperville Responds group that has helped Hurricane Katrina victims in Pass Christian, Miss.
Bowler said there has been no shortage of volunteers for the effort, including builders and construction material suppliers. He himself works for ProBuild, a supplier.
"The industry has been really set back, it's been very tough," Bowler said. "We talk to builders every day who say, 'I've had a very rough road the past four to five years. I don't have any money. Take my hands and I'll do whatever you want me to do.'"
The group is looking for potential properties in Naperville on which to build the houses, which will be specially designed to meet the needs of the disabled veteran who will become its owner.
"Right now this war ... is sending a lot of kids back with missing pieces," Bowler said.
The group also is searching for worthy veterans to become recipients of the homes. Bowler said the vets won't necessarily have to be from Naperville.
"If it were somebody from outside the area we would be happy to welcome him into our community," he said.
Naperville Responds For Our Veterans hopes to have its first home built within the next six to 10 months.
The group is accepting help in all forms - money, land, supplies, workers and sponsors.
The Bay Area Builders Association also is assisting the group with its efforts.
For more information on Naperville Responds For Our Veterans or to make a donation visit www.napervillerespondsforourveterans.com call Gerry Cassioppi at (630) 428-8888.
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