SAIC and Building Homes for Heroes Restore Veteran Lives and Hope

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Karen helms

USMC Staff Sergeant Karen Helms joined to military because she wanted to achieve an education and be the first in her family to attend college. It was after enlisting that her motivations evolved. She wanted to become part of something greater than herself and serve as a role model for young girls, showing them that their environment does not define their future. She stated that becoming a Marine provided her with opportunities she wouldn’t have had if she had not enlisted. She joined the United States Marine Corps in January 2007 and after serving her country for over 16 years, she was honorably retired in May 2023.

During her years of service, Staff Sergeant Helms served as a military administrative chief, an interpreter and translator, and was responsible for coordinating and tracking the movement of all military personnel in support of WesPac 13-2 from 08/23/2013 – 04/24/2014. Being exposed to the flight lines near C-130 aircrafts, she sustained significant hearing loss in both her right and left ears, which now requires her to use hearing aids.

In addition, Staff Sergeant Helms sustained injuries to her back, elbow, and the right side of her body during her military career. Due to the injuries she sustained, she received a 100% disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

USMC Staff Sergeant Helms suffers from PTSD, severe hearing loss in both ears, chronic migraines and sleep disturbance, lumbosacral strain, and bilateral lower extremity peripheral radiculopathy. Despite her injuries, Staff Sergeant Helms is currently working toward obtaining her Associate’s Degree in General Studies, with a graduation date of May 2025. Afterward, she plans to pursue a degree in Health Sciences, specifically Personal Training, so she can help the elderly stay fit and motivated. She stated that her mother is her inspiration for this path. She sees how important it is for her mother, and that has driven her to help others in similar situations.

For her service to our country, Staff Sergeant Helms has been awarded the Navy And Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy And Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation (2), Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (4), National Defense Service Medal, Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (USSBOXER), Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Certificate Of Commendation (Individual Award) (3), Certificate Of Appreciation (2), Letter Of Appreciation (11), Expert Rifle Qualification Badge (2), and the Marksman Pistol Qualification Badge. USMC Staff Sergeant Karen Helms and her two sons would like to receive a mortgage free home in Jeffersonton, Virginia.

Adams amisu

unsuccessful. Due to the constant unbearable pain, he realized his dreams of a long military career would be over and his mental health began to decline.

HM2 Amisu suffers from PTSD, insomnia, anxiety, back pain, and lumbar degenerative disc disease.

HM2 Adams stated that as an immigrant, he is deeply honored to have served in the world’s finest Navy and privileged to be the first in his family to graduate from college, and with distinction. He believes that part of his success stems from his upbringing in Ghana, where he was taught that "life doesn’t give you what you deserve, but what you’re willing to fight for." To this end, he is proud to share that he has traveled the world, lived and worked on three different continents (Africa, Europe, and North America), and speaks multiple languages. More importantly, he has met some of the most incredible people who have influenced his life in countless positive ways. For his service to his country, HM2 Amisu has been awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Global war on Terrorism Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal (2), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Navy & Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon, Navy Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon, Enlisted Surface Warfare Insignia, and the Flag Officer Letter Of Commendation.

US Navy Hospital Corpsman Petty Officer Second Class Amisu, his wife Zakiya, and their four children, will be receiving a mortgage free home in White Plains, Maryland in 2025.

US Navy Hospital Corpsman Petty Officer Second Class Adams Amisu joined the military because as a child, he often imagined about growing up and becoming one of the good guys, and he wanted to save lives. In the summer of 2005, he moved to the United States from Ghana and two years later, he enlisted in the Navy out of Brooklyn, NY in July 2007. After serving his country for almost 7 years, he was honorably and medically discharged in February 2014.

During his years of service, HM2 Amisu was exposed to challenging situations, causing him physical and psychological injuries. Trained as a Hospital Corpsman, his first duty station was aboard USS Makin Island (LHD 8). This was an amphibious assault ship homeported in San Diego, CA, where he was responsible for providing care to over 1,500 sailors and marines. Within a few weeks of reporting to the command, he would then deploy as part of the humanitarian mission.

HM2 Amisu stated that although it was rewarding to help others, the deployment left him physically drained, and the grueling conditions and rigorous daily activities had taken a toll on his physical and mental health. He began to experience excruciating back pain that was so severe, that one night he collapsed to the floor after his legs gave out. His roommate rushed to him and called for emergency assistance. The damage to his spine was greater than expected and HM2 Amisu was sent to Landstuhl Army Base in Germany for Radiofrequency Ablation on his spine. Unfortunately, the procedure was

justin Day

initiated IED and was launched into the air and landed on his backside. When he looked down, he saw that his right foot was gone, and the lower half of his leg was severely injured. His medic rushed to his aid and as medical procedures were being performed on him, he laid back and held his hands to his face. It was at this time that he noticed his hands were black and severely injured, including the loss of some fingers. Very soon after this, he lost consciousness due to blood loss from an unidentified brachial bleed in his left arm.

Due to the injuries he sustained to his right leg, USAF Staff Sergeant Day would later undergo the amputation of his right leg above the knee. He also suffered damage to both hands including several missing/ inoperable fingers, minor burns to his right hand, and a TBI. Even after his injuries, Staff Sergeant Day retained his active-duty status and intended on obtaining his recertification to become deployable again. Although he was medically discharged from the military due to his injuries, he has stated that he intends to take a permanent position as an instructor.

For his service to his country, USAF Staff Sergeant Day is the recipient of the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Comabt Action Medal, Meritorious Unit Award, AF Outstanding Unit Award, AF Good Conduct Medal With 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War On Terroriam Service Medal, AF Longevity Service, USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon Pistol), AF Training Ribbon, and the NATO Medal.

USAF Staff Sergeant Day and his two sons would like to receive a home in Laurel Hill, Florida.

United States Air Force Staff Sergeant Justin Day joined the military out of Medford, Oregon on August 4, 2014 because he wanted to have a decisive and direct role in the protection of the United States of America, and the people who live within, from those who threaten to cause harm. As a Combat Controller (CCT), he attached to other special operation teams, such as Army Special Forces (Green Berets) and Naval Special Warfare (SEALs). His role on the battlefield was to conduct every direct action mission these teams performed, with the added capability of directing air to ground engagements during firefights. After serving his country for over 6 years, he was honorably and medically retired on November 11, 2020.

During his deployment to Afghanistan in 2018, Staff Sergeant Day was attached to an Army Special Forces team assigned to an austere outpost in eastern Afghanistan. Their mission was to drive ISIS militants from a nearby valley. During this campaign, he and his team conducted many compound clearances. It was during one such clearance on July 11, 2018, while he was exiting a building, he saw a white flash of light and felt extreme heat on his face. He had stepped on a pressure plate

William Watson

Jose Santiago

Chief Warrant Officer Santiago is the legal guardian of his disabled sister who has special needs, and he is the sole family member to provide care for his elderly mother who has a heart condition. He also has a son and a daughter who live with him as well.

For his service to his country, Chief Warrant Officer Santiago is the recipient of the Bronze Star (3rd Award), Defense Meritorious Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3rd Award), Army Commendation Medal W/ V Device, Army Commendation Medal (5th Award), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal (4th Award), Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation, USN/USMC Presidential Unit Citation, Valorous Unit Award, Army Superior Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal (4th Award), National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal W/ 3 Campaign Stars, Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (3rd Award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, Military Freefall Parachutist Badge, Jumpmaster (2nd Award), Master Parachutist Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Parachute Rigger Badge.

Army Special Operations Chief Warrant Officer Santiago and his family received their mortgage-free home in Tampa, FL, in May 2024.

Army Special Operations Chief Warrant Officer Jose Santiago joined the military because he wanted to follow in his family’s footsteps on military history. His father served in World War II, and his brothers served in the Vietnam War and Gulf Wars. He enlisted out of San Antonio, Texas in 1993, rose to become a member of Special Forces, and served 27 years before honorably discharging in January of 2021.

Over his nearly three decades of service, Chief Warrant Officer Santiago sustained many physical and psychological injuries. In one incident, his parachute collapsed from 100 feet during a training exercise and he injured his left ankle, knee, hip, shoulder, head and lower back. Another parachuting incident several years later reinjured his back. During one of his deployments, the vehicle he was in rolled over and he sustained a traumatic brain injury, blunt trauma to the left side of my face, and injuries to his left shoulder, neck, back, and knee. In addition to all these physical injuries, he also suffers from PTSD.

Sergeant Scott III suffers from a TBI, dementia due to anoxic brain injury, hypertension, and post sudden cardiac arrest. Due to his injuries and ongoing daily struggles, his mother Valence is his full time caretaker.

For his service to his country, Sergeant Scott III has been awarded the Army achievement Medal (2 Award), Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Good Conduct Medal (2 Award), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal W/ Campaign Star, Army Service Ribbon, and the Overseas Service Ribbon.

Army Sergeant Robert Scott III graduated high school in 1991 and attended Norfolk State University in Virginia. He graduated college in 1999 with aBachelors Degree in Finance and Bachelors Degree in Economics. From there, he obtained a job at Spear, Leeds & Kellogg/ Goldman Sachs as a Broker Trading Assistance on the New York Stock Exchange. On September 11, 2001, he missed the early train to go to work in Manhattan, NY. On that day, he experienced the tragedy of the terrorist attacks first hand and the loss of several of his friends and colleagues. He knew he wanted to help protect the freedoms of his great country and joined the United States Army in February 2005. He honorably served his country for 7 years before being medically discharged in February 2012.

On February 27, 2009, while deployed in Iraq, Army Sergeant Scott II was injured due to a Tanker Blast he was involved in. At the time of the incident, he continued to assist his fellow comrades but passed out shortly after due to a blood clot that traveled to his lungs from his leg. This blood clot cut the flow of oxygen to his body and caused Sudden Cardiac Death. While in a coma, he was transported to Walter Reed for initial treatment and then later transferred to Richmond McGuire in Richmond, VA, the Defense Veterans Brain Injury Center in Johnstown, PA, and then back to Walter Reed for additional treatments.

Staff Sergeant Jones suffers from a TBI, hearing loss, post concussion syndrome, migraines, nerve damage in his left hand, total disc replacement of his L5-S1 in his back, and PTSD. Staff Sergeant Jones is taking part in his own recovery and he works to help and serve homeless veterans.

For his service to his country, Staff Sergeant Jones has received the Purple Heart, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2nd Award), Army Achievement Medal (2nd Award), Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (2nd Award), National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, South West Asia Service Medal W/ Bronze Service Star, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal W/ M Device (2nd Award), KU-LIB-MDL (Kuwait), Combat Infantryman Badge (2nd Award), and the Driver And Mechanic Badge With Driver – Wheeled Vehicle (S) Clasp.

The years of war in Afghanistan and Iraq have brought many mental health conditions, including PTSD, among military personnel to the attention of the American people as never before. Most sufferers of chronic mental health conditions repeatedly relive the trauma in their thoughts during the day and in nightmares when they sleep. While the condition varies from person to person, more and more studies have linked these conditions with chronic depression and suicidal ideation.

For her service to his country, PFC Teuila Lobendahn has been awarded the Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal W/ Bronze Service Star, and the Overseas Service Bar (2).

Army Private First Class Teuila Lobendahn joined the military because it was her childhood dream and something she promised herself that she would do. Following in the footsteps of her grandfather and additional family members who have served, she joined in Hawaii in October 2006 and was honorably discharged in December 2008.

During her service, Army PFC Lobendahn began to experience migraines when she was deployed in Afghanistan. She states that when she was in Bagram Air Force Base, she began to notice the migraines would begin whenever they worked in the bun pits and they progressively became worse after transitioning to Orgun-E FOB. She now suffers from major depressive disorder, anxious distress, migraine headaches, and bilateral pes planus and bilateral plantar fasciitis (loss of feeling in feet and swelling)

Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal (2X), Iraq Campaign Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Navy Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon and Enlisted Fleet Marine Force Warfare Specialist and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

Thompson, his wife and their son received their newly renovated home in Houston on Nov. 11, 2022.

Petty Officer Second Class Anthony Thompson joined the military because he felt a calling to serve his country and wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps. He joined out of Houston in 2003 and served until he was medically retired in 2010.

In April 2007, while deployed in Iraq, Thompson and seven Marines were standing post at a bridge that was struck by a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device. Thompson was thrown 25 feet in the air by the explosion and landed 50 feet below the bridge on a concrete pile of rubble. The resulting severe traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury have left Thompson in a wheelchair, and he is non-communicative.

For his service to the nation, Thompson was awarded the Purple Heart, National Defense

For her service to the nation, Hopkins was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Achievement Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Korean Defense Service Medal.

Hopkins and her family received their mortgage-free home in Lakeland, Fla., on Oct. 22, 2022.

Technical Sergeant Rahmeka Hopkins joined the military in 2004 for the honor of serving her country and served for 15 years before being discharged in 2019. Working in special operations, Hopkins operated daily in a fast-paced environment where situations were critical and life-changing. Made susceptible to obtaining invisible wounds, Hopkins woke up one day in 2017 and knew something was wrong with her.

It took 35 hospitalizations, six months at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and more than seven different specialists to determine that she contracted a rare form of cancer, presumed to be from chemical exposure. Hopkins also suffers from severe nerve damage and malignant arthritis that cause pain in her legs and feet to confine her to a wheelchair.

For his service to the nation, Montrond was awarded the Bronze Star for valor, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (3X), Army Achievement Medal (4X), Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge and Driver and Mechanic badges.

In March 2021, after battling health issues for two years, Christl Montrond passed away. The Montronds’ oldest daughter, Nazeraeh, 21, became the legal guardian of her three siblings. She has a full-time job and is also in college, working on a bachelor’s degree in health sciences with concentrations in behavioral health sciences and health care administration.

A Gold Star family, the Montronds received their mortgage-free home in Wesley Chapel, Fla., on Aug. 25, 2022.

Sergeant Alberto Montrond enlisted in the military in 1998 after graduating high school and went on to serve four tours with the 528th Special Operations Support Command in Iraq, Jordan and Afghanistan. In 2005, Montrond became one of the first soldiers in the new Group Support Battalion for the 7th Special Forces Group and was a driving force in enabling the new company to activate, train, deploy and fight in just four months.

In February 2006, while deployed in Afghanistan to recover mission-essential special operations equipment, Montrond lost his life when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated near his Humvee. He was survived by his wife, Christl, and four children.

For his service to his country, Devine was awarded the Army Commendation Medal (3X), Navy Achievement Medal (5X), Combat Action Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal (6X), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (3X), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, among other accolades.

Devine and his children received their mortgage-free home in Pensacola, Florida, in July 2021.

Petty Officer First Class Daniel Devine was a senior in high school when the tragic attacks of September 11 took place and called him to serve and protect his country. He enlisted out of Winter Haven, Florida in 2002, just three days after graduating high school.

While deployed in Afghanistan, Devine was severely injured when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device was detonated just over 200 feet from where he was standing. The explosion knocked him unconscious, as he hit his head on the concrete. While he was able to finish his deployment, he suffered from severe migraines throughout, and was later diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury, occipital nerve damage, hearing loss, sleep apnea, and tinnitus, all stemming from the explosion. He also suffers from PTSD.

Petty Officer Second Class Isaac Francois served for 10 years in the Navy before being honorably discharged after his diagnoses of bilateral compartment syndrome and PTSD, which resulted from his tour in Afghanistan. Bilateral compartment syndrome is a condition where there is insufficient blood flow to parts of the body. As a result of his condition, he has undergone seven operations on his leg.

For his service, Francois was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Global War Terrorism Medal, Good Conduct Medal (3X), Meritorious Unit Commendation, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, NATO Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2X), Expeditionary Medal, and Fleet Marine Force Ribbon.

SAIC helped to welcome Francois, his wife Wisline, and their three kids into their home in Lusby, Maryland on September 11, 2020, on the 19th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

Lieutenant Patrick Ferguson joined the Navy in 1991 out of the desire to serve our country and continue his family’s long legacy of military service. During his service, he sustained numerous physical and psychological injuries, many of which resulted from his many training operations and deployments. He sustained more than a dozen concussions, and his deployments to hostile territories have left him with severe PTSD. He also suffers from bilateral knee injuries, chronic migraines, tinnitus, and a traumatic brain injury.

For his service, Ferguson was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon (2X), Good Conduct Medal (3X), Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Star, Joint Service Commendation Medal (2X), Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (5X), and National Defense Service Medal.

In December 2019, SAIC volunteers helped to prepare the Ferguson home for the holidays and welcomed Ferguson, his two boys, and his service dog, Ajax, into their new home.

Staff Sergeant Lloyd Howard Jr. was conducting route clearance support when his unit was ambushed by enemy insurgents in December 2006. He was knocked unconscious by an explosive, resulting in a traumatic brain injury, PTSD, lumbar strain, nerve damage, cervical spine disorder, and other debilitating health issues.

For his service, Howard was awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (4X), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3X), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (8X), National Defense Service Medal (2X), Iraq Campaign Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, and Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation (2X).

SAIC helped to welcome Howard, his wife Aleshia, and their four children into a home in Pierce, Florida.

Major Gabriel Gonzalez was injured in Iraq while serving our country in 2017. Gonzalez suffered devastating head trauma that resulted in a traumatic brain injury, a fractured skull, and a stroke that left him unable to walk or speak.

Gonzalez, who was once confined to a wheelchair, can now walk and talk again thanks to his hard work and the dedication of his mother, Miriam. After spending several years getting to know the Gonzalez family while they waited for their home to be completed, SAIC helped to present Gonzalez and his mother with a mortgage-free home in Land O’ Lakes, Florida in December 2020.

For his service, Gonzalez was awarded the Air Medal (3X), Aerial Achievement Medal (3X), Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal (2X), Meritorious Unit Award, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (3X), Combat Readiness Medal, Air Force Recognition Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, and Afghanistan Campaign Medal (2X), among other accolades.

Sergeant Kirstie Ennis was serving as a helicopter door gunner when her helicopter crash-landed in Afghanistan in 2012. The accident caused severe damage to her left leg that resulted in an above-the-knee amputation, a shattered jaw, severe facial lacerations, a traumatic brain injury, and PTSD.

Despite more than three dozen surgeries, Ennis has learned to walk and talk again and is a picture of perseverance and hope. She placed fifth in women’s snowboard cross at the 2018 Winter Paralympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, has summited mountains across the world, and participated in a 72-day, 1,000-mile walk across mainland Britain. Ennis created her own non-profit organization, the Kirstie Ennis Foundation, to help disadvantaged populations, including wounded veterans, gain access and confidence in the outdoors. Ennis was honored in 2019 with the Pat Tillman Award for service at the ESPYS.

SAIC and Building Homes for Heroes presented Ennis with a mortgage-free home in Colorado in 2017.

Gunnery Sergeant Chris Claude was injured in Iraq in 2006 when his team was ambushed by an IED. He suffered severe shrapnel wounds and burns, plus severe injuries to his right leg and left hand.

Claude also suffered nerve damage on the left side of his body, burns, abdominal wounds caused by shrapnel, and a traumatic brain injury. As a result of his injuries, he underwent an above-the-knee amputation of his left leg, and partial amputation of his left thumb.

For his service, Claude received the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2X), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2X), Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (2X), Marine Corps Recruiting Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, and Navy Unit Commendation.

SAIC and Building Homes for Heroes welcomed Claude and his daughter into their mortgage-free home in Long Pond, Pennsylvania in 2016.

Specialist Hugo Gonzalez was severely injured in Iraq in June 2004. He was on patrol when his vehicle took a direct hit from an IED and a gun battle broke out with insurgents.

As a result of the blast, Gonzalez suffered a traumatic brain injury, internal bleeding, a sinus bone fracture, a crushed optic nerve (right eye), and a macular hole (left eye), leaving him legally blind. Because of the resulting procedures, Gonzalez suffers seizures requiring long-term therapy.

Gonzalez was awarded the Purple Heart, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Combat Action Badge.

SAIC helped to welcome Gonzalez, his wife, and their three children into a home in Port St. Lucie, Florida in 2015.

Master Sergeant Joe Deslauriers, a 1st Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal technician, was injured in an IED blast while serving in Afghanistan in 2011. The explosion resulted in Deslauriers losing both legs above the knee and his left arm at the elbow.

Deslauriers carried out two tours of duty in Afghanistan and served in Iraq, Kuwait, and Kosovo. During his service, he earned the Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal, Joint Service and Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and more.

SAIC and Building Homes for Heroes gifted Deslauriers, his wife Lisa, and their son a home in Florida in October 2014.

In December 2009, Specialist Andrew Toppin was injured in Iraq when he drove over an IED and his vehicle caught fire. He suffered the loss of his right leg and injuries to his face, arms, and left leg in the blast and resulting fire.

Toppin, his wife, and their two small children received a home in Houston in 2013.