[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 110 (Friday, July 8, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1076]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN RECOGNITION OF HEROHOMES

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. BARBARA COMSTOCK

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, July 8, 2016

  Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge HeroHomes, a 
nonprofit organization in my district dedicated to providing veterans 
who have heroically served our country the satisfaction of owning their 
own homes, a solid foundation for a successful future, and the pride 
that comes with living independently. With all of the sacrifices that 
our veterans make preserving freedom and democracy for others, I can 
think of few causes that are nobler than helping these returning heroes 
reenter civilian life. Recently, HeroHomes was able to provide a new 
home for its first disabled veteran, Tony Porta. Tony was an Apache 
Helicopter pilot with over 2,500 hours of flight time from over 20 
years of service, and had five tours of duty in both Iraq and 
Afghanistan. Unfortunately, in the process of carrying out his duties, 
he suffered a severe spinal injury and subsequently spent over two and 
a half years in the hospital while also suffering from Post-Traumatic 
Stress Disorder, or PTSD. Tony has more than fulfilled his duty and has 
sacrificed much for the sake of his country, and HeroHomes was there 
for him in his time of need. Their altruism is beyond measure and the 
institution has more than lived up to its motto ``building houses, 
jobs, and community for those who have fought for the preservation of 
freedom and democracy for others''.
  Following the sentiments of the organization's founder, Jason 
Brownell, HeroHomes not only assists in providing homes for these brave 
veterans, but also settles them into a small town community setting. 
This foundation not only embodies charity and selflessness, but has 
helped to inspire it; with members of the community and local builders 
having volunteered to help make this initiative a reality.
  Mr. Speaker, the good men and women that make up this institution 
exemplify a spirit of comradery that makes America truly great. I would 
encourage my colleagues to join me in thanking all of our servicemen 
and women that have sacrificed much in defense of our nation, and 
HeroHomes for their impassioned care of our heroes when they return 
home.

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