Homes for Our Troops

Nathan recently participated in the building of a home through the Homes for Our Troops organization for a local solider, Sgt Marco Robledo, Jr. from the US Army. Nathan dug the footing for the house, built the pad, and did some other work on it. I was so proud of him for donating his time and equipment for such a worthwhile cause.

The parade coming in to the house site.



Sgt Marco Robledo, Jr.


On Friday June 8, 2011 the Build Brigade started to get the home as close as "in the dry" as they could over the weekend. The day started with a parade, some speeches, and then the real work started.

Flag Presentation

Chief of Police presenting Sgt  Robledo with a check

Sgt Robledo giving thanks to everyone there

Due to the extremely hot conditions they were not able to get the home completely in the dry over the weekend but the still got alot done.

What the house looked like Friday morning

Raising of the 1st wall - Sgt Robledo and his parents in the doorway.

What it looked like Sunday afternoon- that is amazing!

Nathan will build the driveway and a few other things once things get done on the house. I can't wait to see the finished product!

Nathan talking to one of the organizers.

This is really a worthwhile cause and I encourage everyone to get involved in any way they can! http://www.homesforourtroops.org/

This is our local heroes story from the Home For Our Troops Website:

Army SGT Marco Robledo was on his first deployment when he was left a double amputee after an IED explosion in Taji, Iraq in May 2007. The third HUMMVEE in a five vehicle route clearing patrol, SGT Robledo was the gunner in the turret when the vehicle rolled over a pressure plated IED; the explosion tearing through the vehicle. After losing consciousness and waking to the smell of something burning, SGT Robledo realized he could not move...what he did not realize was that he had lost his left leg above the knee and his left arm above the elbow as a result of the blast. Caught in an ambush, and with gunfire coming from all directions, he was quickly transported to a local hospital in Baghdad. Marco was soon flown to Ballad before being airlifted to Landstuhl, Germany, then to Andrew’s Air Force Base, and finally to Walter Reed Army Medical Center where he is still being treated, three years after the attack.
SGT Robledo grew up left-handed and has learned to use his right hand to write. He enjoys drawing, working on cars, SCUBA diving, running, swimming and listening to music. He devotes much of his time to helping others. Marco is pursuing a degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland University College.
SGT Robledo is honored to be a part of our nation’s military. He says, "I always wanted to travel and see different places. After deploying and being hurt however, I realized that there is no place like home. Thanks to Homes for Our Troops I will finally have that."