news-record.com

THOMASVILLE — Local troops, a k a volunteers, deployed early Friday morning on a very special assignment.

Their mission over the next three days: Build a substantial portion of the 2,600-square-foot home that nonprofit Homes For Our Troops is providing for Army and Marine Corps veteran Sgt. Joseph Smith, his wife, Debbi, and their children.

The Massachusetts-based organization has built houses for severely injured veterans across the country since 2004. The projects are funded through donations and volunteer support from builders and suppliers, as well as veterans and community service groups.

The nonprofit’s home have special features designed for people with disabilities. Smith sustained spinal and brain injuries in 2004 in Afghanistan while on active duty with the Army. After years of rehabilitation in military hospitals, he now uses a wheelchair and is an active participant in athletic events, such as archery, hand-cycling and swimming, on Team Semper Fi, a rehabilitative sports program.

The site and foundation for the Smiths’ one-level home in the Whispering Woods subdivision were prepared earlier this month. Framing and other structural work will be done over the next three days, according to the general contractor for the project, Scott Beane of Beane Construction in High Point. “We’re going to try to get it at least ready for Sheetrock by the time we go home on Sunday,” he says, with completion expected in the spring.

The Smiths currently living in Shelby but will be moving to Thomasville to be closer to their families. Sgt. Smith is looking forward to moving into the home, which will have a number of features that will make it easier for him to navigate in his wheelchair. The floor plan includes wider hallways and doors, a wheelchair-accessible shower, and strategically placed grab bars throughout the home.

* NEXT SUNDAY: Find out more about the Smiths, Homes For Our Troops and the many local volunteers taking part Jan. 30 on triadhomes.com.