JR Smith Works Some “Connectivity”

JR Smith (AKA Mister GUNS TO HAMMERS) Works Some “Connectivity”

Guns to Hammers (GTH), a Cypress, Texas, home-renovation/construction company and 501 c 3 charitable foundation, has been a long-time supporter of AHERO. Owned and operated by USMC Veteran JR Smith, GTH has always been an active example of what AHERO calls the “connectivity” that shapes relationships to make great charitable work possible.

JR never fails to stay on top of what’s happening at AHERO. Also to donate generously to the cause. Case in point: Lee Stuckey recently received a $2000 donation from JR and GTH.

Reaching out to thank his friend, Lee learned that JR’s latest GTH philanthropic project had been to make renovations to the home of severely disabled SSGT Ricky Garcia. A USMC Veteran of 12 years of service that included three tours between Iraq and Afghanistan, Garcia’s devastating injuries include severe TBI and PTSD, and have rendered him a paraplegic unable to speak, move independently, or care for himself.

A TERRIBLE TWIST OF FATE. THEN … HELP

“But Ricky’s injuries didn’t come while serving,” JR explained during our interview. “Those happened here. He was out riding his motorcycle when he was knocked off the bike by a hit-and-run driver. Then, when he struggled to get up because he was still able to move, he was hit by another one.”

Another hit-and-run driver, that is.

Two utterly irresponsible cowards who were never caught had functionally destroyed the life of a proud American who had served his country well, enduring harsh combat. A Veteran who deserved to have a good, productive future.

“There’s a true angel who saved Ricky, though,” said JR. “I mean by staying at his side and struggling so hard to get him all the medical attention, follow-up care, and

By Connie Conway

Visiting to tell Ricky he'll soon be headed out to enjoy the antics of his feathered friends from the comfort of his beautiful, new GTH-built portch!

equipment he has needed since then. That’s Maria, Ricky’s mom. She’s petite and pretty delicate, but Maria has managed to be the fulltime caregiver and emotional support system of this six-foot-one, 220-lb Marine. She says he’s her life, and when you see how she cares for him, you know it’s true.”

The repairs and adjustment JR and his mostly Veteran GTH crew made to the Garcia home in Richmond, Texas, are hugely appreciated, of course. But the greatest gift, it seems, is the porch they built for Ricky so he could sit there watching the birds, which he loves to do.

Asked why he showers these brave, injured Veterans with such generosity, JR (who would never think of himself as one those “angels” who continually helps those who have bravely served but now suffer devastating wounds) paused thoughtfully. Then he said, “Well, I’m a Veteran, too, you know? But I’m a lucky one.”

THE UPSHOT

You can tell JR loves what he does. But he’s modest. “The bigger story here is about that connectivity between foundations and organizations like ours, dedicated to help our wounded warriors,” he said. “The best ones. I know that for every penny you guys at AHERO spend, some deserving Vet is being helped. Same here at GTH for AHERO. The contributions we get from folks like our supporting breweries go right into funding our projects for Vets or making our own charitable contributions.”

It seems that after knowing Ricky’s story, JR introduced Lee to him … and Lee invited him on a hunting trip with Maria in South Texas. This was arranged right away, and a truly good time was had by all. So, of course, Lee was soon asking if Ricky, along JR and caregiver Mom, would like to attend AHERO’s 11th Annual Pensacola Beach Warrior Hook-Up this August?

The answer, we’re glad to say, was “Definitely!”

If all goes according to plan, we’ll be telling you in our next issue more about Ricky Garcia and GTH. And about how Ricky enjoyed the experience of being at a great AHERO HookUp with a whole bunch of his fellow deserving Veterans ... including his kind and generous good friend, JR Smith – aka, Mister Guns to Hammers, himself.

Ricky's mom, Maria, thrilled to have the new porch for her son to enjoy, has a huge hug for JR.

A handshake between two Marine brothers.