DI companies lead the charge to build a new home for a wounded vet

The property is in Summerville, but Daniel Island is doing its part to help create a special place to call home for one wounded veteran and his family.

Daniel Island-based Max Crosby Construction has joined with national nonprofit Operation Finally Home and The Daniel Island Company to build a home in the Carnes Crossroads subdivision for U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Jeremy Brooking and his family.

With framing complete, the family visited the property last week to view the progress on the site. They also had a chance to read handwritten notes of thanks and support written by community members on the studs of their unfinished home.

Builder Jamison Howard of Max Crosby Construction took the lead on the project and has been busy soliciting support from as many suppliers and subcontractors as possible to donate their time and materials. Max Crosby Construction has been building homes on Daniel Island for two decades. The Daniel Island Company, the developer of the Carnes Crossroads community, donated the lot for the home. And the Daniel Island Exchange Club provided flags for the ground-breaking ceremony.

Construction began in April on the new mortgage-free home for Cpl. Brooking and his young family of four, who currently reside in Greenville, Indiana. Howard said countless businesses, organizations and individuals throughout the community have pitched in to make sure the wounded Iraq veteran and his family get a fresh start and create a new life in the Lowcountry.

Howard said he learned about Operation Finally Home at a conference late last year.

“When I heard about all of the incredible work they were doing, I knew my company and I wanted to be a part of this,” he said. “By February, Operation Finally Home introduced us to the Brookings and we broke ground on their home in April.”

“This project allows those of us who don’t serve in the military for whatever reason to show our gratitude for those that do,” added Howard.

Cpl. Brooking was wounded ten years ago while serving in Iraq. Just two months into his deployment, he was shot in the chest by a sniper while assuming duty on an observation post. It has been a long road to recovery. He received the Purple Heart as well as several other awards for his service.

Jeremy and his wife, Tia, were “overwhelmed,” he said, when surprised with the life-changing announcement earlier this year that they had been chosen to receive a new home through Operation Finally Home. Molly Halliday represents the organization and has been working with the Brooking family.

“Operation Finally Home partners with corporate sponsors, builders, developers, individual contributors and volunteers to help America’s military heroes and their families transition to the home front by addressing one of their most pressing needs—a home to call their own,” she said. “…This family was not given a home. They earned it.”

Suzanne Stern of Our Town Plans served as architect for the project. She designed the home specifically to meet the needs of the family, including making the counter heights in the kitchen high enough that they will cause less fatigue for Jeremy, as well as creating several other adjustments and spaces relating to Jeremy’s injuries.

The family said they plan to fully embrace the Carnes Crossroads community. Their oldest daughter, Mysia, will begin kindergarten at Northwood Academy in the fall and the family will be attending Northwood Church. They said they have already met several of their neighbors - some of whom are military families as well - and are thrilled with the warm welcome they have received.

A visibly moved Jeremy said that he was “incredibly grateful” for the generosity of the companies involved and the outpouring of support from the community.

“I just cannot believe total strangers care so much,” he said.

Tia shares her husband’s gratitude.

“This community is amazing,” she expressed. “Everyone has been so gracious. It’s as though God made this happen perfectly.”

The Brookings plan to move into their new home in October. Jeremy will also serve as a guest of honor at the Charleston 9/11 Heroes Run on Daniel Island in September.

Daniel Island Publishing

225 Seven Farms Drive
Unit 108
Daniel Island, SC 29492 

Office Number: 843-856-1999
Fax Number: 843-856-8555

 

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