Homes for Our Troops

I was given the honor to shoot a Homes for Our Troops build ...finally one in California that I could participate in...was about 3 hours away in Hanford CA...just outside Fresno... I was introduced to this amazing organization at the Blue Star Mom National Convention in 2010...I had the privilege of meeting 3 recipients and they were amazing young men that lost so much fighting for our Freedom... When I got home I put in to be notified of any builds in our area...and a year later this came up... The Bond family was just the sweetest most deserving family. Sgt Justin Bond lost his leg and will most likely lose his other...he needs a home that will allow him to live as independently as possible... but he was sweet and funny and upbeat and positive... and more so a Hero cause his wife's closet is almost the same size as their Master Bedroom! I joke about it...but truly I appreciate all Sgt. Bond has done for our country ...and is truly a Hero in is own right. I met some amazing people... volunteers from all over...including the owner of a restaurant from my hometown Novato... Tommy Salsas's... her son a Football Player and Senior from Cardinal Newman doing his High School volunteer project with Homes for Our Troops.... local Navy guys... the neighbor hood church provided so much support... all the food for the volunteers was donated and prepared by caring people and other organizations...including Contra Costa Blue Star Moms Chapter 20....Hooah! The build was 3 days...from foundation to roof w/ doors and windows....soon there will be another work day for landscaping...and then a key turning ceremony upon completion in a few months....Can't wait!

this is all that was there on the morning of day 1

The Bond Family putting up the very first wall in their new home

I was taking a photo of Sgt. Bond holding his wife's hand during the opening ceremony....not realizing til now his prosthetic leg was also in the shot....I can feel the emotions in this shot

Sgt. Justin Bond putting the first nail into his new home

The whole Crew on the first day
Fire guys came by.... got a photo opp with Vets and project managers....

These hard working volunteers never stopped from sun up to 1700 hrs.... volunteers had to walk around with waters just to keep them hydrated...it was all we could do to get them to eat! amazing dedication...Hanford is near Fresno and it was in the high 90's low 100's that weekend

Sgt Bonds Daughter invited by local firefighters who stopped by to sit in the engine and wear a helmet...as soon as she got in she put her seat belt on!

The church across the street came out and wrote scriptures on the walls....I love that!

Day 3....the beginning of day 3... wow