HOMES FOR OUR TROOPS FUNDRAISER

BENEFITTING MARINE CORPORAL KEVORK “KHACH” KHACHADURIAN

Hops N Shine, locally owned by C.J. Cross, hosted a very special fundraiser event on July 18 for Homes for Our Troops. The event specifically focused on local Marine Corporal Kevork “Khach” Khachadurian, who was on a three-day mission as an infantry rifleman with the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, in Sangin, Afghanistan. It was there he stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED) and immediately lost both his legs, several fingers on his left hand, as well as took damage to his left forearm.

Now medically retired, Corporal Khachadurian keeps himself very busy. He is a Veterans support representative with the VA, he plays seated volleyball and is also on the USA Warriors Sled Hockey Team. He has stated that a specially-adapted custom home would be the foundation for the rest of his life and allow him to put more energy into furthering his career and helping other veterans.

Since 2004, Homes for Our Troops has provided 315 specially-adapted homes nationwide. What makes them stand out from other non-profit charities is that they stay with the Veterans after home delivery. They provide a pro-bono financial planner for three years to assist in financial planning and household budgeting. They also provide homeownership education as well as warranty coverage to ensure that the Veteran is set up for long-term success as a homeowner. They also allow previous recipients to mentor those currently receiving a new specially-adapted home, which not only includes the Veterans but also their spouses. Many of the previous recipients have gone on to become motivational speakers, sharing their message of persevering through tragedy around the country. Some even take their message on a national level to promote awareness of Veteran suicide, homelessness, and PTSD.

Homes for Our Troops has received the highest possible rating of 4 stars from Charity Navigator and has an A rating with Charity Watch. They are also a platinum-level GuideStar participant, demonstrating their commitment to transparency, and meet all 20 criteria markers for the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance. Their dedication to helping our injured troops rebuild their lives is truly amazing!

Hops N Shine and Homes for Troops threw a stellar event that included beer, cocktails, and amazing BBQ! To help raise money, there was a raffle held with prizes provided by local sponsors. The event was a huge success raising a total of $5,114.07, which will go a long way in helping to provide Corporal Khachadurian with the foundation he needs to rebuild his life.

"I'm so proud of the Alexandria community that we were able to raise over $5,000 to help support Marine Corporal Kevork, who lost both of his legs in combat in Afghanistan," said Joe Erfe, Co-Founder of SULTR. "We are grateful for his service to our country. As a tech company based in Alexandria, it was great to work with fellow local VA businesses, Homes for Our Troops, Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #871, and VIP Alexandria Magazine. We look forward to continuing the momentum of this event to help our local community." "It was great to see the local Alexandria community including The Fraternal Order of Eagles 871 step up and contribute so much towards building a house for Marine Corporal Kevork Khachadurian. Homes For Our Troops is a nationwide organization that builds specially adapted custom homes for severely injured post 9/11 veterans, to enable them to rebuild their lives. It’s an organization I strongly believe in and I am very happy with the response the community has given.“

- JOE KASPER, EVENT COORDINATOR

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOMES FOR OUR TROOPS, PLEASE VISIT WWW.HFOTUSA.ORG. TO DONATE DIRECTLY TO THE NEW HOME OF MARINE CORPORAL KEVORK “KHACH” KHACHADURIAN AND OTHER AMERICAN HEROES LIKE HIM, PLEASE VISIT WWW.HFOTUSA.ORG/BUILDING-HOMES/VETERANS/KHACHADURIAN