| American Legion Post 305, Caledonia, Mi. 9548 Cherry Valley Telephone Number 616-891-1882 |
| Serving Veterans, their families and the Community for over 57 years |
| Key turn over day began on a very cold Saturday morning. Preperations began by sitting signs of contributors of labor and materials. The Michigan Patriot Guard placed flags along the road way and assisted people with parking. Golf cars were driven by some very harty young folks transporting those that needed assistance to get to the house. The tent heater was started which finally brought the temperature up to 70 degrees inside. |
| As visitors arrived they were treated to a variety of items, coffee, hot chocolate and numerous delicacies. Everyone had an opportunity to walk through the house and observe various technological items not found in most new homes. Around 10:30 Josh and Heather arrived escorted by state and county police, The Patriot Guard and numerous family members. |
| The program began with Tom Benoit, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from Homes For Our Troops opening the ceremonies. Tom went on to introduce Max Wagner, a Junior High student at Caledonia, who sang the National Anthem as the Caledonia Memorial Post 305 Color Guard presented the Colors. Reverend Tim Bateman gave the opening prayer. 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, Major J. M. O'Neill, USMC, Jan Oldham Super food lady, our dedicated "Josh Hoffman" fund raise Nicole Haywood, representatives of the "Purple Heart" organization presented Josh with a beautiful Purple Heart plaque. Heather and Josh gave a tearful "Thank You" to all for their time, donations and love for the project. |
| As the crowd of visitors looked on, Josh and heather were presented with the key to their new home and a ribbon cutting took place. Numerous gifts were presented to Josh and Heather once inside the house. |
| Numerous signs were displayed welcoming Josh and Heather home. A picture taking session took place with friends and family alike, while others continued to tour the new home. Brian Reed, a retired contractor and field manager for "Homes For Our Troops" was thanked by Josh and Heather and Chet Teater, local Project Coordinator for all the help and guidenance he provided during the building of the home. |
| Pictures of Josh and Heathers bathroom for the nurses, who daily attend to Josh's medical needs, laundry room and the master bathroom appear. The picture of the refrigerator contains a very special gift, Josh's favorite, a can of Bud Lite |
| For those who spent many hours on the project, from clearing the first bush and tree to the final day, Gary Timmermans, Bill White, Chet Teater, Larry Zuverink, Bill Thornton, Bill Bravata and Gordon Jousma had a group picture with Josh and Heather. Later, Heather gathered this group together for one final picture and one truly memorable moment. She asked that all get as close to Josh as possible and in a very soft and gravely tone, Josh could be heard saying Thank You. For those of us present, this was one of the most rewarding experience of a lifetime. When asking about this, Heather replied that Josh had been working on this for several weeks |
| Caledonia Memorial American Legion Post 305 and Homes For Our Troops wish to once again thank all who were involved with this project from start to finish. We would also like to thank the men and women of our armed forces, and their families, for all the sacrifices they make for the cause of freedom around the world. May God look over and protect these great Americans, watch over Josh and Heather and all those who made this possible. "God Bless America". |
| January 31st 2009 Key turnover day |