Bringing Home a Hero
ongoing effort
What a Hero Needs to come home - September 20th, 2008
As you can see if you have driven past the beautiful home for Kevin Downs lately, the ramp is up, the front steps are in place, and obviously the biggest progress is being made inside the home.
Tile and other materials are needed to begin the process for the flooring:
TILE MATERIALS:
Below is a list of items we are currently seeking for donations to begin the tile work in several of the rooms within the home.
· 45 sheets ¼” hardybacker for the flooring
· 4 sheets ½” durabacker for the shower area
· 20 bags of multipurpose thinset-grey in color
· 1 roll of joint compound tape
· Grout- will be selecting the color soon and is something we can purchase at Home Depot or Lowes.
¾ unfinished hardwood flooring is preferred:
Hardwood: 1,473.8 sq. ft.
Master Bedroom
Living Room
Dining room
Bedroom 1/closet
Bedroom 2/closet
If you can help with the list above, or with trim material or labor, landscaping, patio's and septic system, call Trey 207-5685, or JD at 952-2657, or Kelly at 673-9294 or cell 400-7093.
Veterans Honor Kevin Downs and Present Check To Help With Home 08/16/08
It was and honor and privilege to present Joe Downs, father of Sgt. Kevin Downs, a severely wounded double leg amputee and Iraq veteran, a check for $2,000. Money to purchase materials on the new specially designed home being built for his son, Sgt. Kevin Downs.
The check was presented by John Furgess, Past Commander-in-Chief of the VFW and currently Vice-Commander of American Legion Post 5, also with Past Commander of American Legion Post 5, Norm Nuismer. This check is one of many donations made by others.
Standing in front of Kevin's house are pictured (l to r), Past Commander-in-Chief, VFW, John Furgess, Joe Downs, and Past Commander, American Legion Post 5, Norm Nuismer.
The membership of American Legion Post 5, Nashville, TN is proud to be part of this presentation for a very worthy American.
Bringing Home a Hero 08/02/08
By DALE GRAHAM
If you were lucky enough to spend a little time with Kevin Downs while he was home recently, you probably miss him already, and he just recently went back to BAMC in San Antonio for further surgery. I can tell you that he probably misses you too, he had a great time while he was home, and is truly looking forward to coming home for good, to his home that so many of us are working so hard to get ready.
First: Kevin had his first surgery this week, where the balloon in his shoulder was removed, the skin harvested and grafting on his face completed. They haven’t built the ear yet, but they will. Any prayers are greatly appreciated. Kevin had originally thought that he would only be gone for about a month, looks like it may be a little longer, but when he comes back he’s staying for the most part, just a trip back once in a while, here most of the time.
His home is beautiful and really coming along, but we still have this one big need:
Concrete Drive, labor and materials.
Kevin really needs a concrete drive, asphalt is rough on wheel chair tires. If you can help with this or can encourage someone you know to help, please call J. D. at 952-2657. You won’t believe how special you will feel to be part of this wonderful project.
Kevin and his family want to again express their deepest gratitude for all that is being done, and will be done to help bring Kevin home, finally.
If you would like to know about this story, or want to remember where this all started in August of 2005, please go to our website: www.SCAdvocate.com, and go to Sgt. Kevin Downs under “Archived Series”.
July 26th, 2008
By DALE GRAHAM
Kevin Down’s time at home has come to an end for a short while. He returned this week to San Antonio for the surgeries he knew was coming.
Kevin said Wednesday morning that he had a great time while he was home, and was really looking forward to returning for good, probably in about a month. While he’s gone, you can rest assured that work will continue on his beautiful home. There are a couple of needs that remain unfilled.
If there’s anyway that you can help fill these needs, or know someone who can, please call J. D. at 952-2657.
Still needing:
Concrete driveway labor & material and a
Flag Pole
July 5th, 2008
By DALE GRAHAM
Under a veil of secrecy where even ‘yours truly’ was kept in the dark, Kevin Downs returned home to Kingston Springs for his first look at the beautiful tribute being built for him with love.
I was lured to the site to take 2 pictures. I wanted a shot of the 25+ electrical workers gathered by David Davidson and others to knock out the electrical work in short order. The other picture was the one Joe called me about on Saturday. Some “dignitary” wanted his picture made at the site, but didn’t want a lot of hubbub, so Joe wouldn’t tell me who it was. It didn’t matter to me much since I was assuming that this “dignitary” was helping in some way, or donating money or something.
When I headed out on Saturday Joe called again and seemed anxious for me to get there a little sooner than earlier planned. Okay, now the “dignitary” is getting pushy. “Who is it?”, I asked. “Kevin”, Joe answered, and that’s when the tears started flowing and they didn’t stop until much later Saturday afternoon. Kevin had just flown in from Texas and was heading straight to the site.
I thought I was prepared for what it would feel like when this brave young man first saw his beautiful home. I was wrong, and I was completely overwhelmed at what a loving community can do when they ask, “what can I do?”, and actually get an answer.
It was an amazing visit. I was crying, Joe was teary, and I got a bunch of hugs from some otherwise tough as nails electrical workers and builders, honored to be there the day Kevin rolled through. Kevin looked at every detail, thanked everyone, spent some time smiling for pictures and then had to get out of the heat. Diana Pike, volunteer extraordinaire was there cooking burgers for everyone and it was just too special to even explain.
And now back to those wonderful electrical workers. Most of them are members of IBEW, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. This is not the IBEW’s first time to lend a hand to this effort. Brent Eswine, one of their members, lived next door to the Downs family and watched Kevin grow up. When this tragedy happened Brent asked for the help of the brotherhood. “Local 429 donated $5,000 and volunteered to assist with the set-up and tear-down of the stage and production for the Home For A Hero benefit concert last summer”, Brian Adams, Business Development Representative, IBEW Local 429 explained. “We had 25 volunteers participate in the wiring of the house and have had 100% of all materials donated by some of Local 429’s signatory electrical contractors (BESCO- Broadway Electric Co. and Travis Electric)”, Adams added.
The following is the list of people who were present at Kevin's house on Sat. June 28, 2008
1) *Kerry Cocke
2) *Lenny Hahn
3) *Chris Eswine
4) *Brent Eswine
5) *Allen Whaley
6)*Tony Adams
7)*Larry Jack Simpson
8)*Derrick White
9)* Steve Dotson
10)* Richard De Laby
11)* Tony Cox
12)* John "Tadpole" Ledwell
13)*Tony Anglin
14)*Mary Lindsey
15)* Barbara Blackwell
16) Diana Pike
17)* David Davidson
18)*Brian Adams
19)Clay Wood
20)Kurt Scott
21)* Larry Parnell
22) Joe Downs
23) Bo Bell
24)* Chris Henley
25) Kelly Costanza
26) Kevin Downs
27) Dale Graham
28) Catherine Downs
29)* Randy Clark
30) Dan Zellars
Welcome Home Kevin! We’ve missed you!
June 28th, 2008
You’ve Got to See This!
By DALE GRAHAM
Busy week so sorry, no update, no bios, no thank you list. But I knew you would want to see that the thank you list is getting longer and longer, and the house is getting more and more beautiful.
So we’ll just give those of you who don’t pass by every day a look. This home being built for Kevin Downs is a beautiful example of small town patriotism, as well as an outward display of love for a soldier who answered the call.
June 21st, 2008
By DALE GRAHAM
I ran by the house this week on the morning of the S. C. Advocate’s press day because I wanted you all to see the most recent pictures I could get.
What I found was incredibly heartwarming. Several trucks already on site and more arriving, workers, angels is more like it, ready and anxious to get to work.
Joe Downs pulled up as I was pulling out so I waited a minute just to say hello. I could tell he was in a hurry to get in and help, but as usual he stayed and chatted with me for a minute to let me know how things were going, and that Kevin is still doing well.
Just as we were saying goodbye, builder Brian Chester stuck his head out of a front window to ask Joe a question. “Got to go!” he said excitedly, as he scooted on up the driveway. It’s great to not only see such a beautiful gift for our hero, but to see such happy people making it all happen.
And here are just a few of the people who have made things possible in recent weeks. We will continue to post the names or people and/or companies who have donated labor or supplies, or provided at a discount. We are all indebted to them and hope you will consider them if you have a job that needs doing.
JWC Foundation
Arrow Exterminators………........…………Doug Henderson
Williams Electric Supply….......………………..John Hannah
D & S Electrical……….....………………Dwayne Davenport
Broadway Electric………….......……………….Larry Parnell
Travis Electric……………………………….......Jerry Uselton
Browns Heating & Air …...……………………Donnie Brown
June 14th, 2008
Kevin Downs Home Moving Along, Immediate Needs Listed
The roof was completed Friday, exterior doors have been delivered, windows waiting to be delivered, rough in plumbing is just about finished, duct work people due this week and work continues on exterior trim.
All of that to say these immediate needs still exist: We need commitments on the driveway: concrete material and labor. Also appliances, and hardwood flooring materials and labor.
If you can help with any of these needs, please contact J. D. at 952-2657.
June 7th, 2008
By DALE GRAHAM
If you don’t pass this home going up in Kingston Springs on a regular basis you may not realize that the dream we began more than a year ago is happening, right here in our community. There are men and women volunteering their time, their materials and their expertise to build this beautiful, comfortable, safe home for Kevin Downs right here in his home town.
This week that home got covered with a roof, and as you can see it is really beginning to look like home, sweet home.
This week I would like to introduce you to the gentleman who is overseeing the project and coordinating the people, services, deliveries, etc., etc. that are part of building any home.
Brian Chester earned his B.A. in Finance at MTSU in Murfreesboro. Brian is also a licensed TN real estate appraiser and has been since 1990 before deciding to earn his General Contractor's license with the State. Brian has constructed several custom homes in Kingston Springs as well as remodeling and repair projects, and numerous single family dwellings in the Rivergate area. Currently, he is contracting a beautiful log home for Daniel Boone Log Homes in Greenbriar, TN. Building is Brian's passion.
Brian is “honored to serve in any capacity for our hometown soldier, Kevin Downs”.
May 17th, 2008
By Dale Graham
As you can likely tell by looking at these pictures, progress is ongoing at the home being built for Kevin Downs. The interior walls are framed up and now you can see where each of the rooms will be. Soon the trusses will go up, if not for a small snafu that would have like already happened, but any else house build has it’s own share of snafu’s!
Soon we will share with you more of the names of the wonderful people who are donating their time, services, parts or equipment to make this house possible, but today it’s time to meet another member of the “team”. This group of people have been meeting since months before the first load of dirt moved, and are constantly communicating and meeting, planning and networking to get needs filled for Kevin’s house.
Kelly Costanza is the “inside person”, as Joe Downs refers to her. She is the interior designer, and she knows every nook and cranny of the inside of Kevin’s house and has designed it following “Universal Design” principles. Universal Design is defined online at the Center for Universal Design as “The design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.” In other words, the home is going to fit and work as well for Kevin (in or out of a wheel chair) as it will for anyone else who lives or visits there. Kelly is smart, driven, and a pleasure to work with as she has a remarkable eye for detail, and a consuming desire to assure that Kevin is safe and comfortable in his own home.
Here is more about Kelly: Kelly Costanza lives in Nashville TN with her husband, Robert and their three children. She enjoys her involvement with a local group called Gathering 4 Soldiers. The group meets each month in Bellevue. The group believes in supporting the troops with writing a card, letter of encouragement, and sending care packages containing the simplest of things to make a soldier’s life a little easier and possibly their surroundings a little more like home. They work together and share a common vision of service.
Kelly is the president of MM&I Construction and Design, Inc. established in 2001 on the foundation of bringing Universal Design to the forefront of residential construction in Tennessee. She is an interior designer who specializes in Universal Design, a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) and a licensed general contractor in the state of Tennessee. Kelly also operates as an authorized dealer of Insulspan™ structural insulated panels (SIPs) for Tennessee as well as Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, South Carolina, North Carolina, Texas, and Pennsylvania. Kelly is also a member of the American Society of Interior Designers, National Association of Home Builders, 50+ Council, Building Systems Council, Home Builders Association of Middle Tennessee, Remodelers Council and the Middle Tennessee chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council.
May 3rd, 2008
By DALE GRAHAM
As you can see from the pictures here, the home that this community is building for Sgt. Kevin Down’s is really taking shape. The logs are all up, and roofing, windows and drywall will begin soon. More support is being offered, and more will be asked for as we continue along.
There are a few immediate needs that have not been met and hopefully there is someone here in this community that can help make that happen. Those needs include: Drywall labor; Concrete flatwork labor, (sidewalks, driveway, patio); Framing labor; trusses; windows. If you are interested in donating any of these services or items, please contact J. D. at 952-2657.
This week I would like to introduce you to another member of the team of people who have taken on the job of planning, coordinating, begging, and simply doing what it takes to get this home built, and built right so that Kevin will be comfortable, safe and secure when we finally get him home.
Norm Nuismer and his wife of 53 years, Clara, have lived in Bellevue since 1967. They have 3 adult children, all living in the Nashville area, all married and the parents of Norm’s seven grandchildren.
Norm retired in 1993 from the Celotex Corporation, a division of the Jim Walter Corporation with nearly thirty years of service. He is also a veteran. “I enlisted in the U. S. Navy in December 1951, during the Korean War, and was honorably discharged in December 1959. I held the rank of Petty Officer 2nd class Yeoman. I was stationed at the U. S. Naval Air Station, Memphis, TNI, served as Commander of American Legion Post 5, Nashville, TN and as a member of the Executive Committee for several years. Post 5 membership consists of over 1,100 members located in 17 states and over 80 cities nationwide. Sgt. Kevin Downs is a member of Post 5”, Norm said. “We have been members of Bellevue United Methodist Church for over 30 years and I am currently Chairman of the Board of Trustees. There are approximately 800 members in our church”, he added.
American Legion Post 5, under Norm’s guidance, also approved $2000 funding for appliances for Kevin’s home.
On top of all that, Norm’s not afraid of hard work, or breaking a sweat. He’s helping to build this house in more ways than one, his contribution is a big one. (Shown here with Kevin’s father, Joe Downs.)
Bringing Home a Hero 04/26/08
The weather cooperated, the logs were there and waiting, and Bo Bell’s crew plus volunteers arrived first thing Saturday morning to start putting the logs up on the home we’re building for Sgt. Kevin Downs.
They aren’t finished with this step yet, but they got a lot done in 2 days, (you don’t have a choice if you’re working with Bo!).
Work is continuing on the project every day, and there are a few upcoming needs that you may be able to fill.
These folks gave most or all of their weekend time off to raise a home for Sgt. Downs. Luke Wilson, Robby Travis, Justin Bell, Bo Bell, John McLeroy, David Rush, Steven Kisac, Norm Nuismer and Joe Downs.
Updated Need List:
Driveway Concrete Flatwork Labor
Experienced painter (Call Vaden 405-7425)
Drywall hangars and finishers (Call Vaden 405-7425)
Trusses, Roofing Framing still needed
Framing Labor, interior partition walls
Deck/Patio/Porch/Ramp framing material and labor
Windows, Doors
Trim, Millwork
Hardwood Flooring material, labor especially
Appliances
Carpet
Misc…..Mirrors, Closet Shelving
Except where otherwise noted, if you are interested in donating any of these services or items, please contact J. D. at 952-2657.
Bringing Home a Hero 04/12/08
The dream that has been building for quite some time now of building a home for Sgt. Kevin Downs is beginning to really take shape. The foundation and flooring are in place, the logs have been delivered and will go up beginning next week.
But, first things first: The Kevin Downs beautification surgeries have begun! Kevin is still in Texas of course, where doctors are beginning work on his face and head trying to improve his burn scars, build an ear and perform other amazing surgical feats. They are also still working on his stumps to continue the effort of getting him on prosthetics one day in his future. He is well, his spirits are good, and he is getting more and more independent every day. Joe and Catherine want to again thank everyone for their prayers, concern, help and support.
There are a few immediate needs that have not been met and hopefully there is someone here in this community that can help make that happen. Those needs include: Drywall, material and labor; Concrete flatwork labor, (sidewalks, driveway, patio); Framing labor; trusses; windows. If you are interested in donating any of these services or items, please contact J. D. at 952-2657.
By the time the home is complete, there will be an enormous list of people who have given of their time, expertise, equipment and/or materials that we won’t be able to list them all here, so we will do them a few at a time.
Keith Parker of Daniel Boone Log Homes; Brian Chester and Steve Spears of Chester Construction; Mike Bowers of Mike Bowers Excavating; Karl Francis, Floyd Anderson of Kingston Construction Co.; Sergio Casilles and Thomas Sampson of C & C Masonry; Steve Kowgitz of 84 Lumber Co.; Tom Zolar of Metro Ready Mix; Mark Denny of Brown’s Concrete Block; David Deal Trucking and; Roger’s Group gravel.
This project has included so many people since it was first suggested here in the S. C. Advocate Newspaper, and now we would like to begin introducing you to the team of experts who are diligently working together and coordinating everything it takes to get the home complete.
We begin this week with the Trey Adkisson (right), one of the Team members on the Sgt. Kevin Down’s home project. Trey is a great communicator, organizer and motivator with his laid back, “can do” attitude and determination to see this project through.
Trey, along with wife, Brenda and Alex the dog, have been residents of Kingston Springs for over 12 years.
With 25+ years in the construction industry, Trey is currently the Purchasing Manager for Actus Lend Lease, a military privatization design/build firm based in Nashville, TN. Actus Lend Lease was contacted through the local
Home Builders association to get involved, and with Trey’s background, was the obvious choice to step in and help. Trey has lead volunteer groups with Habitat for Humanity and has been a key project manager with the local St. Jude Dream Home program in its initial 2 years which benefits the Kids of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. Along with other project team members, Trey has brought his expertise in fund raising and support of this project with major manufacturers such as Moen, Progress Lighting, Kohler, Yale Locks, State Water Heaters and GE. Along with local building material distribution relationships, he has also been able to secure a lot of support for Kevin in building the home for our local hero. Trey’s outside interests include racing and hockey, and you might see him cycling around the greater Kingston Springs/Pegram area.
Home Build for Sgt. Kevin Downs Has Begun!
By DALE GRAHAM
Spring is right around the corner, and the time is right to get together and help build a house for our local soldier/hero, Sgt. Kevin Downs.
For any of you who may not know, Kevin is a local resident who was terribly wounded in Iraq on August 13th, 2005 when the humvee that he and 3 others were riding in was exploded by an IED. All four men are members of the 278th out of Ashland City assigned with an elite team of the U. S. Army Snipers (Cobra Unit). The other three died, including 22 year old Ashland City resident Sgt. Gary Lee Reese. All four men were members of the 278th out of Ashland City assigned with an elite team of the U. S. Army Snipers (Cobra Unit). Kevin was burned over 60% of his body, lost both legs just below the knees, lost total use of his left arm, and more injuries that are just too many to mention.
Since that dreadful day, Sgt. Downs has been fighting to survive his devastating wounds, and his hometown community has been working to build him a suitable home to come back to. It began with last year’s “Home For a Hero” concert, where more than $100,000 was raised for Kevin’s home. Since the first mention of building him a home, the South Cheatham Advocate has built a list of donors, potential donors and volunteers who were anxious to help with the project. Kevin purchased his land here in Kingston Springs, and recently the land was prepared, earth began moving and things are really beginning to happen.
One of the main reasons why things are moving along so smoothly is because of a team of builders and designers who have been working together for several months to prepare for the build. In the coming weeks you will meet some of those people and hear about what they are doing to get this home built for Kevin, as well as what you can do to help.
Thanks to the First Baptist Church of Pegram Benevolence Fund, all donations to the project will be deductible, and the donations have been and continue to roll in, both locally and nationally. Insurance is in place through Spencer Garrett and Farm Bureau in Kingston Springs.
Soon things will really begin to take place as the beautiful log structure donated by Keith Parker and Daniel Boone log homes begins to go up under the supervision of Brian Chester, and the loving labor of Bo Bell and his capable team of builders.
There is much more to the story but it will be told as the home goes up. Kevin’s story continues, and although we have tried to give him a few weeks of privacy in the newspaper, it has only led to so many of you worrying about him even more. Kevin is well, still at the hospital, still facing more surgery, but getting stronger and more independent every day. Prayers are welcome for Kevin and his doctors as they face these surgeries and continue to work to get him ready to come home to his beautiful new log home, and the community that has never forgotten his service, and his sacrifice!