MILWAUKEE — Johnson Controls Inc. announced its sponsorship of the Building Homes for Heroes program, a national organization that recognizes the tremendous sacrifices of men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces by supporting the needs of severely wounded or disabled soldiers and their families. The Building Homes for Heroes initiative strives to build or renovate quality homes and gift the homes to severely injured veterans nationwide, mortgage-free.

Through this sponsorship, Johnson Controls, along with its distributors and contractors nationwide, will be donating heating and cooling systems, including installation and labor costs to 12 military families. These donations will assist in the completion of homes being renovated or built from the ground up.

The first veteran to benefit from the York brand of Johnson Controls sponsorship is Army Specialist Eduardo Fuentes-Bueno, who, with his family at his side, recently received the keys to his new home in Peoria, Arizona. The Afghanistan war veteran suffered a traumatic brain injury as well as serious injuries to both legs in a grenade attack in February 2012.

“The support of companies like Johnson Controls and its high-quality York heating and cooling distributors and contractors nationwide enables our organization to reach more veterans in need and help them begin to rebuild their lives,” said Chad Gottlieb, director of construction development, Building Homes for Heroes. “We work very hard to keep overhead costs down while continuing to install quality materials in the homes we construct, so these donations are especially valued.”

“Community involvement is at the core of our business,” said Rod Rushing, vice president and general manager, unitary products group, Johnson Controls. “We are dedicated to serving the communities where we live and work and are especially proud to offer a small token of our appreciation for the tremendous sacrifices made by veterans and their families on our behalf.”

The York brand of Johnson Controls donated a 4-ton York Affinity heat pump, and York contractor George Brazil Home Services, Phoenix, installed the heating and cooling services for the Fuentes-Bueno family’s new home. US Air Conditioning Distributors provided distribution services.

“The decision to participate in the Building Homes for Heroes program was an easy one to make,” said Jim Probst, owner, George Brazil Services. “It’s gratifying to think that we can honor the service of veterans like Eduardo and support their families by providing them with comfortable, air conditioned homes.”

Anyone wishing to volunteer or make a donation is advised to contact Building Homes for Heroes at info@buildinghomesforheroes.org.

Publication date: 8/4/2014 

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