COLUMBUS, Ohio - Homes for our Troops held a Build Brigade April 1-3 in support of the 100th home built for American veterans. A Heating, Airconditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) philanthropic partner, Homes for Our Troops is a nonprofit organization committed to building homes specifically adapted to meet the needs of severely injured veterans.

The home was constructed in Fredericksburg, Va., for Marine Sgt. Kenny Lyon. Lyon was on his second deployment in May 2006 when a mortar attack near Fallujah, Iraq, left him with severe injuries resulting in the amputation of his left leg above the knee, a shattered jaw, and irreversible nerve damage to his left arm and hand. The building of Lyon’s new home kicked off with a ceremony on Friday, April 1.

In support of the HARDI-Homes for Our Troops partnership, three HARDI distributor members participated. Virginia Air Distributors, headquartered in Midlothian, Va., donated the HVAC system for the home. East Coast Metal Distributors, headquartered in Durham, N.C., donated the HVAC supplies. Ferguson Enterprises, headquartered in Norfolk, Va., donated the electrical and plumbing fixtures.

“It has been a privilege to work with Homes for Our Troops and give back to those who make protecting our safety and freedom their job,” said Chris Baker, Virginia Air president and COO. “We are grateful for the opportunity to be included in such an honorable cause.”

“We thank our great customer, First Choice Heating & Cooling [donating the HVAC system installation] and our vendors for their support enabling us to donate to this great cause,” said Scott Rogers, Fredericksburg branch manager for East Coast Metals Distributors.

The official presentation of house keys to Lyon was on Saturday, April 9.

Publication date: 04/11/2011