Andy Pujol Founder & President
(Building Homes for Heroes)
Army General Peter Chiarelli
Gary Littrell (Congressional Medal of Honor recipient - US Army)
More than 1,000 celebrate Joel Tavera's homecoming!
Before an exuberant, patriotic crowd of nearly 1,000 supporters, Building Homes for Heroes welcomed home Army Sergeant Joel Tavera and family to their spectacular new home in Tampa, Florida on Saturday, November 19.
The event, which attracted high-ranking military personnel, including Army General Peter Chiarelli, Navy Admiral William McRaven, Army Major General Robert Abrams, Air Force Major General (Ret.) David Scott, Army Brigadier General Darryl Williams, Air Force Brigadier General Chip Diehl, and Gary Littrell (Congressional Medal of Honor recipient - US Army), all of whom attended specifically to pay tribute to Joel's extraordinary bravery, began with a magnificent procession along the flag-lined streets of New Tampa that stepped off from the James A. Haley Medical Center, proceeded through Lutz, and into the Grand Hampton development.
There were also many local dignitaries, firefighters, community members, corporate sponsors, civic organizations, and friends and family in attendance.
Master of Ceremonies Kelly Hallman opened the program with an inspirational speech before handing the microphone over to Staff Sergeant Kenneth Dansby for a stirring rendition of the Star Spangled Banner.
Army Chaplain (Major) Eugene Mack then conducted an invocation and blessed the home. Next up was Building Homes for Heroes president Andy Pujol who addressed the audience, thanking all of the distinguished guests, volunteers, builders, sponsors, and members of the community for making a significant difference in Joel's life.
Army Major General Robert Abrams, Commanding General of the 3rd Infantry Division, talked about Joel's undying spirit, remarkable perseverance, and will to survive. William Ryan Homes regional president Jeff Thorson, whose organization built Joel's home, welcomed Joel home and thanked all for coming out.
Finally, the guest of honor, Army Sgt. Joel Tavera addressed the audience. Joel brought the enthusiastic crowd down by expressing how happy he is to be alive, encouraged all neighbors to come by and see him, and thanked all of those who have made a difference in his life. Before the family crossed the threshold of their new home for the first time, FBI Special Agent Steven E. Ibison made a touching speech and presented Joel with a plaque that recognized his courage and honor.
Ground was broken March 25 for a home in the Grand Hampton community for the severely injured Iraq war veteran who turned 24 the day before the ceremony.
The $450,000 home, with special modifications, was made possible through the nonprofit BuildingHomesforHeroes.org, along with contributions from the builder, William Ryan Homes, and local firefighters, contractors and others.
"This is a private, gated community," Tavera said to about 100 supporters gathered onsite for the ceremony, which included former New York City police officer Daniel Rodriguez, who sang "God Bless America.", and Founder Andrew Pujol.
"Who would have thought that they would have gotten me a home here," he said to guests. They included doctors who treated him, military officers, representatives of the builder, firefighters, two other house recipients and even two therapy dogs Tavera had hugged during recovery.
Please Sacrifice A Little For Those That Sacrifice So Much.
Help build a home for the Tavera family!
Donate in the Name of Sergeant Joel Tavera
Credit Cards Accepted: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover Card
Sergeant Joel Tavera - Full Story
Army Sergeant Joel Tavera of Havelock, North Carolina (originally from Queens, NY) was deployed to Iraq in the fall of 2007. He was just 19 years of age. Prior to enlisting in the Army, Joel first fulfilled one of his lifelong dreams; he became an active member of the brotherhood of volunteer firefighters. He spent over two years serving as a volunteer fireman, before following in his father’s footsteps by serving the country in the military. Joel’s father served the country in the United States Marine Corps.
In March of 2008, the Humvee that Joel was riding in was hit by five rockets. The blasts killed three men. Joel was thought to be dead as well. Tragically, Sgt. Tavera lost sight in both of his eyes, his right leg, four fingers on his left hand, and suffered very serious head trauma and critical burns to 60 percent of his body. His parents, Jose and Maritza, have been told that their son is the second most severely injured Army soldier to survive since the war in Iraq began. Joel received The Purple Heart and Bronze Star.
Doctors, nurses, hospital officials, friends and fellow soldiers; and anyone else who has met Sgt. Tavera, all feel that he is a veritable inspiration to all he meets. His will, his passion for life, along with his extraordinary spirit and perseverance, serve as an example for anyone who is facing difficult times. He is a kind-hearted, shining light to those he comes in contact with -- in many ways a true American hero! Andrew Pujol visited at the James A. Haley Polytrauma Center in Tampa, Fl. Andy Pujol announced to the Tavera family that they will be the recipient of a home in Central Florida provided by Building Homes for Heroes.
Please Sacrifice A Little For Those That Sacrifice So Much.
Help build a home for the Tavera family!
Donate in the Name of Sergeant Joel Tavera
Credit Cards Accepted: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover Card
Building Homes for Heroes, Inc. is a non-profit organization. The organization is a public charity exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
The $450,000 home, with special modifications, was made possible through the nonprofit BuildingHomesforHeroes.org, along with contributions from the builder, William Ryan Homes, and local firefighters, contractors and others.
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