At University Loft Company, we’re more than just a sideline supporter of our armed forces members and veterans. For many years we’ve been a major supplier of furnishings for military living quarters around the globe; and when ULoft recently learned of a program that provides Homes for Wounded Warriors, we stepped up to donate furniture for a wounded veteran’s new home.
The need is critical. According to a recent report from the Congressional Research Service, there are more than 40,000 wounded veterans from Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Of these, more than 1,500 are amputees. The Homes for Wounded Warriors Program (HWWP) — a registered 501(c)3 organization for which donations are tax deductible – was founded by Captain Markus Trouerbach, a 23-year veteran of the United States Marine Corps in Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Trouerbach is also a wounded warrior himself. HWWP provides specially designed new or remodeled homes to seriously wounded veterans (post 9/11), in order to improve their quality of life and reduce financial and living burdens so that they can focus on recovery and rehabilitation.
HWWP recently built such a home in Kokomo, Indiana for wounded US serviceman, US Army SPC Anthony Walton. During his deployment to Afghanistan, Anthony’s unit was attacked by an enemy ambush. SPC Walton was shot over 30 times and is now permanently disabled. Upon hearing of this soldier’s need and the program’s mission, University Loft saw an opportunity to make a difference. ULoft’s National Student Housing Representative Tom Dobbin arranged for a University Loft-produced living room set and dining room table and chairs to be delivered to the new Walton home.
The Homes for Wounded Warriors Program plans to build five homes in 2013, with future planned locations in Indiana, New York and Louisiana. In addition to donated materials, supplies and furnishings, each home costs approximately $65,000. Donations can be made by visiting the organization’s website at http://hwwp.org. Site visitors can also learn more about how to volunteer, donate, or apply for support.
I recently wrote a blog post about how University Loft is being the change we want to see in the world through environmental responsibility. Likewise, we’re proud to be able to help organizations such as the Homes for Wounded Warriors Program make a difference; and we salute our service men and women and veterans of all ages. Won’t you join us in supporting this worthy program?
Bob
The ULoft Blog Team
About University Loft Company and our solid wood modular residence life furniture:
Since 1984, when James Jannetides built a loft configuration for his own dorm room at Southern Illinois University, hundreds of thousands of college students have enjoyed better campus living thanks to University Loft furniture. Today, University Loft serves more than 1,200 colleges, universities and related student housing partners. As Jannetides’ says: “We are always learning, always innovating, and always improving … our environment, our products, and our service. We are University Loft Company.”