Our Accomplishments

James Miner

James Miner of Lake View Terrace, CA served as senior “Seabee” in a fortified supply compound at the Iraq border, was responsible for conducting the transfer of sensitive communications equipment returned from in and around Baghdad. Mr. Miner was severely injured when he fell 30 feet from atop of two double stacked shipping containers in June 2003. He  sustained and incurred a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injuries, cortical blindness with severe constricted visual field, permanent hearing loss in the left ear, vascular headaches (and migraine headaches) severe injuries to his shoulders, left buttock, and impaired mobility in his entire left leg minus any and all nerve sensitivity.

Mr. Miner lives with his wife, Phon, and their infant daughter, Abigail, in a 1960’s tri-level home.  Due to his war related injuries Mr. Miner’s access within his home has been severely limited.  Rebuilding Together provided several modifications including the remodeling of a bathroom; installation of stair glides, replacement of carpeting with wheelchair friendly flooring, painting and landscaping. 

Joseph McCue

Joseph McCue is a Navy veteran and a decorated police officer.  He is now wheelchair bound by RSD disease.  Rebuilding Together  and Sears Holdings converted a bedroom into laundry and storage room; upgraded electrical devices; replaced the heater; repaired windows and kitchen cabinets; repaired and modified a handicap ramp; installed new doors; painted the exterior and interior of the home and provided some landscaping all with the support of Heroes at Home.

“I call it my ramp to freedom,” Joseph McCue

Sgt. Edwards

Sgt. Edwards was stationed in the Sunni Triangle in Iraq in early 2005. His unit went on daily security patrols throughout the region. In April 2005, Sgt. Edwards volunteered to fill in for an ill soldier and was sent to investigate reports of insurgents planting bombs. While riding in his M2A2 Bradley fighting vehicle, Sgt. Edwards and his group came to a dirt covered bridge. While crossing the bridge a 500 pound bomb exploded beneath his vehicle igniting the gun turret where Sgt. Edwards stood. His platoon sergeant threw him out of the tank and it was then that Sgt. Edwards made it to the canal near the bridge and extinguished himself in six inches of water. The   explosion left Sgt. Edwards with 3rd degree burns covering 79 percent of his body.

Rebuilding Together provided the following modifications at the Edwards home: a master bathroom remodel to include a zero entry shower, replacement of carpeting with wood flooring, widening of doorways and entry ways and the addition of wheel chair ramps, making the home wheelchair accessible.