The Wood County Economic Development Commission (WCEDC) and Purple Heart Homes (PHH) had a “Mission Complete” celebration on August 20 at the home of U.S. Marine veteran Donald Weatherby, whose Wood County residence had fallen into disrepair.
The ceremony, which was held at 1 p.m. at 1368 County Road 3900 in Hawkins, also included the formal presentation of a check from the Patriots Sporting Challenge (Challenge) to help PHH complete more Veteran housing projects across Texas. The Challenge is an annual event supported by the WCEDC, which supports veteran causes, like the renovation of Weatherby’s home.
With construction provided by Henly Homes and additional financial support from the Straus Foundation, renovations included a 12’x20′ covered porch with a 35′ wheelchair-accessible ramp and a 42″x54″ barrier-free shower.
The reason for the ceremony “is to honor the completion of a life-changing renovation for a Texas Veteran and to recognize the ongoing support of community partners helping expand PHH’s mission across the state,” according to PHH.
The WCEDC and, specifically, Wood County’s residents “can take great pride in contributing to this cause through their work and participation in the Challenge,” said Christine Thomas, Executive Director of the WCEDC. “It is an incredible honor to support those who have sacrificed so much for our country.”
LTC Cody Roberson, US Army (RET), who is the Executive Director for the Challenge, was equally “excited” about the celebration. “This is something we are very excited about,” he said. “To be able to give back to a veteran and witness the transformation of his home is nothing short of amazing. We will continue to give back, whether it is an individual veteran like this, or any of the other organizations we support, like Heroes Ranch, Camp Agape Texas, and a host of other Purple Heart & Folds of Honor Veterans.”
For more information contact:
• Christine Thomas, Executive Director of the WCEDC
• cthomas@mywoodcounty.com
• 903-522-2212
About Purple Heart Homes
Co-founded by two combat-wounded Veterans, Purple Heart Homes has been bringing communities together to provide safe, barrier-free housing solutions for qualified Veterans since its founding in 2008. A nonprofit organization based in Statesville, N.C., PHH supports service-connected disabled and senior Veterans from all eras across all 50 states and Puerto Rico through a growing network of local chapters. Programs include critical home repairs and renovations to help Veterans live independently in their homes, home ownership programs and transitional housing through partnerships with other nonprofit organizations. Learn more at phhusa.org.
You can read our story about Purple Heart Homes here.
Wood County Courthouse
100 S. Main Street
Quitman, Texas 75783
About Wood County
Nestled in the Piney Woods of East Texas, Wood County is all of the Texas you expect in a county you’ll love: Active downtown districts, engaging outdoor activities, and friendly neighbors! Wood County is the ideal location for a weekend getaway or extended vacation, starting or expanding your small business, or becoming a permanent part of any of our welcoming communities. Home to Lake Fork-named the #1 bass fishing destination in the nation by Bassmaster Magazine-Wood County also has a variety of attractions to appeal to just about everyone, such as the Mineola Nature Preserve and the Links at Land’s End golf course to name just two. Come to Wood County: “The Texas You Expect in a County You’ll Love!” For more information, visit https://LoveWoodCounty.com.