“Groundbreaking for – Sergeant Major Andrew Shepherd’s New Accessible Home”

“Groundbreaking for – Sergeant Major Andrew Shepherd’s

New Accessible Home”

657 Red Level Lane, South Hill, Virginia

Saturday – March 20, 2010 at 11 AM

SOUTH HILL, VIRGINIA (March 21, 2010) – The Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing provided a “Groundbreaking Ceremony” to celebrate the beginning of construction of the new accessible home for former U.S. Army Sergeant Major (SGM) Andrew Shepherd of South Hill, Virginia .  The 11:00 am ceremony took place at the site of the new home which will be located at 657 Red Level Lane, South Hill, Virginia 23970.  SGM Shepherd, a highly decorated soldier had

served three (3) tours with distinction in the Vietnam War, is now a 100% disabled veteran.  SGM Shepherd is looking forward very much to moving into his new Specially Adapted Home that has been designed to meet his medical needs.

The Disabled Veteran’s Committee on Housing assisted SGM Shepherd with successfully planning all phases of the new home construction process: house design, financing, lot selection, application for and approval of VA and other grants, construction, etc.  All of these steps were accomplished under the DVCH “One-Stop-Shop” new home case management approach.

The following dignitaries were in attendance to congratulate and extended best wishes to SGM Andrew & Mrs. Shepherd:

State Senator Frank Ruff for Governor Bob McDonnell

State Delegate Tommy Wright

Ms Verna J. (Tina) Graham, Senator Jim Webb’s Danville, VA Office

Mr. Joe Topham, Congressman Perriello’s Farmville, VA Office

Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 7166, South Hill, VA

American Legion Post 79, South Hill, VA

Mr. Edward Pennington, Lunenburg County, Board of Supervisors

We at the Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing conducted this groundbreaking event on March 20 to honor SGM Shepherd, to thank him in a small way for his distinguished service to America and to celebrate the beginning of this exciting new home construction project.

For SGM Shepherd and other disabled veterans having a new accessible and affordable home is a dream comes true.  Unlike most Americans, our disabled veterans – who have given so much to keep America free – can not move around their homes freely, go from one room to another, and use the kitchen and bathroom.  The things they once did are for so many out of reach because of the injuries they sustained serving our country. For many disabled veterans isolation and limited access in their homes ignites a sense of hopelessness and despair.  Many feel forgotten, useless to themselves and their families.  The DVCH has and is assisting many disabled veterans to dramatically improve the quality of life in their homes.

The following organizations from the South Hill, Virginia area are recognized for their support and donation for this event for SGM Shepherd and the attendees:

Wal-Mart Superstore, South Hill, VA

Gavin’s Flowers & Gifts Shop, South Hill, VA

Bojangle’s Famous Chicken, South Hill, VA

Kentucky Fried Chicken, South Hill, VA

Food Lion Store, E Atlantic Street, South Hill, VA

Food Lion Store, W. Atlantic Street, South Hill, VA

Domino’s Pizza, South Hill, VA

A special “Thank You” to the members of the South Hill LaCrosse VFW Post 7166 and the American Legion Post 79, South Hill, VA 23970-2609. The Color Guard and Honor Guard for any veterans affair is a total sign of respect for the veteran. The only true way that a veteran knows that he/she is truly home is when respects is shown to them by fellow veterans that has served before them or maybe even with them, so I say to Sergeant Major Shepherd “Welcome Home”.