We’ve all seen the stories of heroic members of the armed forces who returned home with serious disabilities and injuries since Sept. 11, 2001. Many know some of these individuals personally.

Now, Craig Swain, president of New England Sealcoating (NESCO) based in Hingham, Mass., and Sales Manager Jay Muir have committed to raising $35,000 for Homes for Our Troops (HFOT) to help build customized homes with adaptive features to provide these veterans with maximum freedom of movement and the ability to live more independently. Swain’s donation will represent a percentage of company sales over the next few months.

Asked about his commitment, Swain said, “I’ve always been a history buff, especially related to the Vietnam era since I lived through it. I remember how poorly the Vietnam vets were treated when they returned and how bad I felt, especially for those who were injured. After September 1, 2011, knowing how these courageous men and women’s lives had changed, I wanted to do something tangible to thank them for their sacrifice. They’re a perfect fit for what we want to do.”

Homes for Our Troops, based in Taunton, Mass., is a national non-profit, non-partisan 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2004. Funds raised underwrite the costs of building materials and professional labor. The organization also coordinates the process of building the homes at no cost.

In 2006, HFOT founder John Gonsalves was welcomed at the White House by President George W. Bush who said, “Your efforts are a wonderful example of the great compassion of America.” Since its founding, HFOT has donated more than one hundred specially adapted homes to severely injured veterans in more than 35 states. At any given time, the organization has approximately 30 homes in various stages of construction across the United States. The premiere charity rating agency Charity Navigator, awarded the organization its highest rating of 4 stars.

An eligible veteran or service member may receive a Veterans Administration Specially Adapted Housing Grant capped at about $64,000. Homes for Our Troops’ assistance covers all costs over and above this grant to ensure that the home is provided at no cost to the recipient.

For more information, visit www.homesforourtroops.org.

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