Smyrna Nonprofit Asking for Building Supplies for Disabled Veteran's Home

A Smyrna-area nonprofit is asking the business community for donations of materials that will be used to build a new home in Smyrna for a disabled veteran and his family.

According to Carol Rice of Operation Soldier at Ease, the footings for the new home on Linnwood Drive are almost ready to be poured, pending approval from an inspector. The targeted completion date for the build is sometime in February or March, Rice said.

Rice added that several organizations and businesses, including the Atlanta Braves and the King Springs Elementary School Beta Club, have donated time or resources to ensure the home is ready by March; the Braves are expected to bring several truckloads of dirt to the construction site on Dec. 16, Rice said.

The family which will receive the new home in Smyrna has gone through very trying times, Rice said. The Florida-based family lost a home during Hurricane Andrew, and the veteran was disabled during an IED attack overseas. The attack has given the veteran seizures which will eventually put him in a wheelchair, Rice said.

The veteran’s deployment and subsequent injury caused the family to lose another home in Tampa, Rice said. Furthermore, the family’s youngest son was killed in a car accident two years ago.

“Whether people believe military folks are heroes, or people just doing their jobs, they deserve respect and they deserve help when they need it,“ Rice said.

Rice added that she hopes that the business and civic community of Smyrna will support the build and support the newcomers. RIce and Operation Soldier at Ease hope the family becomes a part of the Smyrna community, and has no doubt that the citizens and businesses of Smyrna will welcome them with open arms.

Despite the generous assistance Operation Soldier at Ease has already received, Rice said that more building materials would be greatly appreciated. Rice said that some of the items on their wish list includes framing, trusses, shingles, concrete, insulation, sheet rock, waterproofing, and flooring materials.

If you or your business are in a position to donate building materials to Operation Soldier at Ease, please contact them at [email protected] or by calling (770) 435-5009