More than 120 volunteers, including nine active and retired firefighters from the Chattanooga Fire Department, have gathered in Evans, Georgia, to construct a fully accessible, mortgage-free home for retired Army Sgt. 1st Class David Mathis and his family. The build, taking place from May 18 to May 31, is organized by A Soldier’s Journey Home (ASJH), a 100% volunteer-driven nonprofit dedicated to building homes for post-9/11 combat-injured veterans.
Mathis served multiple tours in Iraq, where he sustained life-altering injuries from an improvised explosive device in 2017, resulting in the loss of both legs. His resilience and dedication to his country continue to inspire those around him.
The new 2,700+ square-foot home is being tailored to ensure full accessibility, featuring widened doorways, roll-in showers, and other adaptive technologies to support Mathis's independence.
The Chattanooga Fire Department volunteers participating in the build include Capt. Tyler Swindell, retired Capt. Chip O’Dell, Lt. Joseph Fuller, Senior Firefighter Britt Bradshaw, Senior Firefighter Mark Coffman, Senior Firefighter Derek Riley, Firefighter Jake Case, Firefighter Joshua Hixson, and retired Firefighter Adam Cannon.
"Being part of this build is an honor," said Mr. Coffman. "It's our way of giving back to someone who has given so much for our country."
A Soldier’s Journey Home was born in the aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001, as a way for a group of New York firefighters to give back for the support they had received from around the country in the wake of the attacks. They began by supporting a variety of disaster relief construction projects, were eventually joined by other firefighters from around the country, and have now devoted more than a decade to building mortgage-free homes specially adapted for veterans with disabilities.
“A Soldier’s Journey Home began by responding to natural disasters, helping communities rebuild after devastating events. Our roots are in service—answering the call when others are in need,” says Brian Fitzpatrick, president of A Soldier’s Journey Home. “Over time, we recognized a profound need among our nation's wounded veterans for accessible homes. This realization led us to channel our experience and dedication into building homes that honor their sacrifices and provide them with a foundation for a new chapter in life.”