| Ground Breaking 8-19-08 For Josh Hoffman and Heather Lovell's new home. |
| The morning began with Josh and Heather, being escorted by the Michigan Patriot Guard, both State and local police arriving at Fox Glove Estates, the location of their new home. Over 400 well wishers and veteran organizations were on hand to welcome them to the ground breaking ceremonies. All pictures can be viewed in larger format by clicking on them. |
| The picture below was taken from inside the van carrying Josh and Heather as they arrived. |
| The program began with Tom Benoit, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from Homes For Our Troops opening the ceremonies. Reverand Tim Bateman offered the opening prayer. |
| Tom went on to introduce Max Wagner, a Juinor High student at Caledonia, who sang the National Anthem to a resounding applause from the audience. |
| During the anthem the Colors were presented by the 124th Marine Alpha Co. Color Guard, Caledonia American Legion Post 305 and Hastings American Legion Post 45 |
| Tom introduced the following speakers from left to right, Mark Jansen State Senator from Kent County, Brian Calley State Representative from Barry County, Bill Bravata of AIM Builders, Chet Teater from Caledonia American Legion Post 305 and Gordon Jousma owner of Alaska Excavating. |
| Heathe Lovell, fiancee of Josh, told the crowd how "overwhelmed" they both were by the show of support and for those that had attended the ground breaking ceremony. |
| Then it was time for the official ground breaking. Each shovel contained the following placard affixed to it for each of the dignitaries. |
| The crowd looks on as the ceremony takes place. |
| Many pictures were taken of Josh and Heather. Of those, Josh was presented with a shirt by the Michigan State Police, with some of his buddies from the 124th Alpha Co. and family and friends. |
| Robin Wheeler and Donna Basarabski were working hard signing up volunteers for work details and suppliers for materials. |
| Stevensville American Legion Post 568 Commander Mark Platte and SAL Commander Ron Wyatt Present Tom Benoit a check for $10,000 for Homes For Our Troops. |
| Now the real work begins. |
| The look on their faces tells it all. |
| Steve Fritz provided the rendering of Josh and Heather's new home. Steve's web site is stevefritzartservice.com |
| Thanks to Joseff VanHorn and Lori Crothers from Celebration Cinema catering for their splendid array of goodies. Their web site is www.celebrationbanquets.com |
| We would like to thank the following business for their donations, Steve Fritz Art Service US Golf Cars Flags for Veterans Celebration Banquets and Catering Pepsi Mid West Sign Co. |