AUSTIN – In a neighborhood outside of Dripping Springs, community members came together with American flags, banners, and barbecue to honor Army Specialist Justin Perez-Gorda, who was wounded while serving in Afghanistan from an IED explosion which left him paralyzed. The event was the result of years of planning and fundraising by the nonprofit organization Homes for Our Troops, which helps build homes for severely injured veterans and their families at no cost to the veterans.
“It goes without saying that we are indebted to heroes like Justin Perez-Gorda for fighting so valiantly to defend our freedom. It goes without saying, but it’s worth repeating. We are so blessed for his service and it’s with great humility that we stand here today and give a little something back. Thank you, Justin. God bless your family and God bless our troops,” Senator Donna Campbell told the crowd of about 250 before the official groundbreaking ceremony.
This is the seventeenth home which Homes for Our Troops has provided in Texas since September 11, 2001. Each home is specially designed with the needs of the injured veteran and their family in mind, providing maximum freedom of movement and the ability to live more independently.
“I’ve participated in over 100 of these in 37 states, and it never stops being an emotional thing,” Veterans Liaison Larry Gill told the crowd. “Our thanks goes out to all the affiliates and volunteers who made this possible and the veterans who continue to sacrifice and make this endeavor worthwhile.”
Senator Campbell sits on the Veterans Affairs and Military Installations Committee of the Texas Senate. She co-authored and sponsored several pieces of legislation in the Senate to honor our veterans, including a bill to expand parking privileges to World War II veterans, signed into law by Governor Perry on Memorial Day.
“One of our most important responsibilities as a lawmaker is serving our veterans who do such an amazing and selfless job of serving our country and looking after us,” Senator Campbell stated.
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Sen. Donna Campbell represents Senate District 25, which includes Dripping Springs and most of Hays County. She sits on the Veterans Affairs and Military Installations Committee.
Follow Sen. Campbell on facebook: www.facebook.com/DonnaCampbellTX