Veteran Family Receives New Home Through Homes for Heroes

Rosa Sherwood felt overwhelmed with emotion stepping into her new home on Thursday. Spotting the dishwasher brought her joy. “I’m officially not the dishwasher anymore!” she exclaimed. For her husband, Shawn, placing his sweet tea in the refrigerator marked the authenticity of their new home. “Now it’s my home,” he shared.

The Sherwoods’ new residence, located in Portage, was provided by Homes for Heroes. This organization supports veterans and first responders. Shawn, once a petty officer first class in the U.S. Navy, witnessed significant moments during his service, including the transportation of Osama bin Laden’s body. His time in the Navy began on the USS Enterprise, where he noted a change of command when a commander arrived in a Jean Luc Picard uniform.

In 2011, a rocket attack in Afghanistan left Shawn with lasting injuries. He experiences bilateral sciatica, traumatic brain injury, PTSD, tinnitus, and hearing loss. “My back was so messed up,” Shawn described. He now relies on a service dog, Mac, a blue Doberman, while Rosa, who is legally blind, has Daisy, a German Shepherd, for assistance. The Homes for Heroes team thoughtfully included a jar of dog biscuits in the new home.

Homes for Heroes has built, modified, and renovated over 465 homes in 20 years with a goal to reach 500 by Christmas, as stated by Rusty Smallwood, Director of Construction. They recently donated another house to a veteran in Mokena, Illinois. Smallwood emphasized the importance of these homes in helping veterans establish roots after their military service.

“Welcome home,” Ernie Shanders from JP Morgan Chase greeted the Sherwoods. “Days like today are meaningful. We know how foundational home ownership is for stability and financial health.”

Shanders highlighted the firm’s commitment to donate 1,000 homes to veterans, a goal achieved in November. JP Morgan Chase’s message is clear: veterans are valued and supported.

Shawn expressed his gratitude. “It’s truly an honor to be given a home. Now we’re in our forever home. It’s pretty awesome.” Shawn noted they also found a favorite store, Lowe’s, which donated labor and materials for final touches on the house.

Sharon Paige, a store manager at Lowe’s Michigan City location, recalled Shawn from their school days. She helped with details like installing a storm door and providing tools for the new grill. “Seeing the home ready for use is a treat,” she said. Shawn felt excited about using the new deck.

Fifteen-year-old Gabby Sherwood chose her bedroom upstairs. She acknowledged it was fair for the older siblings to get the biggest room. Their previous housing situation involved moving from place to place, most recently residing at Grandma’s house in Hobart.

Contractor George Eizenga, involved in preparing both the Portage and Mokena homes, witnessed a significant transformation. The Portage house was initially uninviting, with concerns about mold, though it was only dirt. Eizenga noted the challenges, especially with the old deck and fence. His daughter, Tessa, described the house before renovations.

Shawn’s naval career included serving as a fireman and a builder first class in the Seabees. He dedicated over 18 years to the Navy before his honorable discharge in 2014. Recently, he began a new role as a construction trades teacher at Chesterton High School.