A San Antonio Wounded Warrior is gifted a specially adapted, custom home.
In a truly American display of support for our nation’s heroes, The Home Depot Foundation and Jared Allen’s Homes for Wounded Warriors have joined forces to make a life-changing gift to a deserving veteran. On Friday, August 16th, Purple Heart recipient Sergeant Anesi “Maverick” Tu’ufuli was presented with a brand-new, fully furnished, and specially adapted smart home designed to meet his unique needs.
Sgt. Tu’ufuli has sacrificed for our country, even coming close to making the ultimate sacrifice. In 2005, while serving for Operation Iraqi Freedom, he suffered severe injuries from a remote-detonated IED in Taji, Iraq. He lost his left leg and suffered significant damage to his right, leaving him reliant on a wheelchair for 50% of his day.
The return home is often difficult for those who have served, but Sgt. Tu’ufuli’s journey demanded extraordinary courage and resilience as he transitioned to civilian life with his wife and two young daughters. Tragically, his wife passed away from cancer in 2018, leaving him to raise their children as a single father.
Sgt. Tu’ufuli needed a home that would enable him to move safely, independently, and comfortably throughout the house. His new home rectifies the accessibility issues that Tu’ufuli has faced in his current residence, which is not wheelchair friendly.
In a touching surprise element, The Home Depot Foundation partnered with The Home Depot Home to fully furnish and decorate the house. Designer Tuan Nguyen carefully selected items tailored to Tu'ufuli's style and needs, ensuring that every aspect of the home contributes to his comfort and independence.
Giving back to veterans is deeply ingrained in The Home Depot's culture, with tens of thousands of their associates being veterans or military spouses. This project highlights the Home Depot Foundation's ongoing dedication to ensuring our nation's heroes have safe, comfortable homes that meet their individual needs.
The Home Depot Foundation's involvement in veteran causes is substantial and growing. Since 2011, they have invested $500 million in veteran causes and have helped renovate and enhance more than 60,000 veteran homes and facilities. Their commitment extends into the future, with a pledge to invest $750 million in veteran support causes by 2030.
The mission of Jared Allen's Homes for Wounded Warriors is to improve the lives of veterans and their families by providing accessible, mortgage-free homes for service members injured in Iraq and Afghanistan. By partnering with donors and local companies, Jared Allen's Homes for Wounded Warriors is able to fund, source, and build custom homes to transform lives.
The collaboration between The Home Depot Foundation and Jared Allen’s Homes for Wounded Warriors demonstrates the power of community support and committed donors in making a tangible difference in the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for our country.
