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(By Reporter Julie White) ROCKWALL – A variety of colorful Mediterranean-themed paintings created by art students at Heath High School now hang in the lobby of the new Trend Tower on the hill above the Harbor.

Heath High School art teacher Susan Aston said Dan Bobst, the owner of the human resource outsourcing company TrendHR, presented the students with this opportunity.

“He explained that Trend Tower was being built here in Rockwall and wanted to include the community, specifically the RISD High Schools art students’ artwork,” Aston said. “We jumped at the opportunity for our students to be able to have their work displayed in a public venue and be able to have the real world experience of working for a client.”

The artwork displayed in the office tower building will eventually include paintings, photographs and sculptures created by the students, whose ages range from 15-year-old sophomores to 18-year-old seniors.

The students were given specific instructions, including a color palette and Mediterranean theme. Several said they enjoyed the challenge of working for a client for the first time plus the opportunity to share their work with the whole community.

“Being able to paint something for the Trend Tower was a great experience,” Logan Sharon said. “It’s the first time I’ve ever had the chance to have my art displayed in a public place. It was fun to paint and I’m glad that people will be able to enjoy it.”

Harper Gillentine agreed that she enjoyed the process and felt honored.

“It was an absolutely wonderful learning opportunity and a whole lot of fun,” she said. “It’s truly an honor to have my own work in a city building.”

For Jaqueline Kysil, a glimpse of her work in the public view is affirmation of her dreams.

“Doing this wonderful project makes my dream of being an artist become true,” she said. “Knowing that my paintings are going to be in a lobby of a building helps me feel like a professional artist.”

“I had a blast working on the painting over the past couple of months,” Brooke Birleson said. “It was cool being able to paint for a client and make an art piece that fit the customer’s needs. I think everyone was super proud of their finished pieces, and I couldn’t be happier.”

Aston added there will be a ceremony held in September when the building is completed so that community members can tour the inside and view the students’ artwork.

“We would love for everyone to come and show support of these young artists,” she said.

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ROCKWALL – Over $8,000 has been raised so far by the community for funeral expenses for the parents of former Amy Parks Elementary School student Ethan Moran, whose body was found near his home April 22. The goal is $10,000.

According to Rockwall mother, Chrissy Cummons Allmann, who started a fundraising page online for Ethan Moran at YouCaring.com, she has three children of her own and felt she had to do something to help the Moran family.

“It’s my job – it’s everyone’s job,” she told The Rockwall News. “It’s our job as members of this community to help, support, and provide strength to others in their time of need.”

“Also, I’m a Mom, and their pain and hurt I couldn’t begin to imagine. I just hope this small gesture can help them in some way. That’s the thing with small gestures, sometimes it doesn’t take much to be kind and make an impact on others. As far as the contributions, it’s our community that turned this gesture into something grandiose, not me. Rockwall/Heath has come together in a family’s time of need, and they have done so with open, supportive, and kind hearts.”

Donations to Ethan Moran at YouCaring.com go straight into a bank account which was set up by Allmann and, after the goal is reached and the fundraising site deducts it’s small fee, a check will be sent to Allmann, who will then present the funds to Ethan’s parents. She said she has never met the Moran family previously and hopes the $10,000 goal will be reached soon so she can present the funds as soon as possible.

For more info about the fundraiser or to donate offline, email Allmann at chrissyallman@yahoo.com.

An investigation continues into the cause of Ethan’s death by the Heath Public Safety Department.

By J.J. Smith

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ROCKWALL – Long-time school teacher, Maurine Williamson Cain, after whom Maurine Cain Middle School is named, passed away June 19 at Broadmoor Medical Lodge where she had been a resident for a little over a year.

She had just celebrated her 95^th birthday there May 27 with family, friends and members of the Broadmoor staff.

Her funeral service was this afternoon at First Baptist Church, where she attended for many years.

She is survived by her son, Dewayne Cain, and his wife, Ann Atkins Cain, who own and operate Rest Haven Funeral Home, which handled funeral arrangements.

According to her Rest Haven obituary, after attending all 12 grades in Rockwall schools, Cain graduated from Rockwall High School in 1936. After graduating with Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from East Texas State Teachers College (Texas A&M University Commerce), she began her 38 year teaching career at Scurry Rosser High School, Quinlan High School and the final 34-years at Rockwall schools.

Her long association with Rockwall schools began in 1942 in the one-room school known as Locust Grove Community School, south of downtown Rockwall, near what is now The Shores.  She taught all seven grades by herself and also acted as school janitor, cook and nurse. The last thirty-four consecutive years of her career were spent teaching various grade levels at Rockwall Elementary School and later Dobbs Elementary School.  She retired in 1987.

“Maurine considered it a very distinct privilege when the Rockwall Independent School District Board of Education voted to name a new school in her honor,” reads her obituary.  “Maurine Cain Middle School was dedicated on Sunday, October 17, 1999.  Prior to the dedication ceremony, she enjoyed watching the school construction take place, and later loved being invited to “her” school for pep-rallies, awards ceremonies and other special events.  She continued to enjoy having this association with students and teachers well into her 80s.”

According to her obituary, one of Mrs. Cain’s favorite quotes was, “You never stand taller than when you stoop to help a child.”

“Countless children respected and succeeded under the guidance of this inspirational Rockwall educator,” it reads. “Maurine Cain, standing almost six feet tall ‘in her stocking feet’ was always willing to stoop to help the next child.”

She married Rockwall native Ted Cain in 1941 and celebrated 70 years of marriage before Ted died Dec. 18, 2011.

Honoring Maurine’s life with cards, flowers or memorial donations to The First Baptist Church Building Fund or The Rockwall Education Foundation would please her, reads her obituary.

Click here to read her entire obituary.

By J.J. Smith

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ROCKWALL – Former 4th District U.S. Congressional candidate Steve Clark passed away in Rockwall June 23 at age 61 from unknown reasons.

Visitation will be held June 26 from 6-8 pm with Rosary at 7 pm in the J.E. Keever Mortuary of Ennis. Mass of the Christian Burial will take place on Friday, June 27 at 10 am in the St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church of Ennis with Father John Dick as celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery under the direction of J.E. Keever Mortuary, Inc.

According to his obituary, during his 20-year career as a telecommunications executive, he worked for Southwestern Bell, AT&T, Lucent and then Avaya. He served on the Board of Director’s for Jinpan International. He was a member of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Rockwall.

He is survived by his wife, Marlene Clark of Rockwall; son, Alan Clark and Dennis Yawitz; daughters: Cambry Huaraque and husband, Rockie, of Tucson AZ; Miranda Henson and husband, Grant of Dallas; Raychel Clark of Houston, Madeline Clark of Rockwall and Erica Clark of Rockwall; plus additional relatives.

By J.J. Smith

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HEATH – Area dentist and former longtime Rockwall ISD Board of Trustees member Dr. David Jackson passed away June 24. He was 63.

According to his Rest Haven Funeral Home obituary, funeral services will be held at 2 pm, Saturday, June 28^th, at Rest Haven Funeral Home-Rockwall Chapel. Interment will follow in Rest Haven Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends Friday evening at the funeral home from 6-8 pm. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to CLL Global Research Foundation, Attention: Dr. Michael Keating, P.O. Box 301402, Unit 428, Houston, TX 77230-1402 or http://www.cllglobal.org/donate.htm.

Dr. Jackson owned and operated his own orthodontics practice at Royse City Dental Care and Farmersville Dental Group, taught Ortho Plus seminars to other dentists and donated his time going on mission trips to Mexico to perform dentistry.

He served on the RISD school board for 14 years, resigning in 2009.

He was also a 32nd-Degree Master Mason, Scottish-Rite Mason and Shriner.

He is survived by his wife: Beth Jackson; children: David, Sarah, and Daniel; his sister: Deborah Jean Jackson Smith; and his niece: Melissa Smith.

By J.J. Smith

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(Click on photo to enlarge)

ROCKWALL – Eight Rockwall area women are showing their patriotism in this attention-getting photo. From left: Holly Edwards, Julie Logan McLoughlin, Jennifer Buchanan,  Tami Jo Nevins Mayes, name withheld by request, Julie Cronin Barrow, Tamie Potts Schultz and Michelle Malone Johnson.

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ROCKWALL – Cancer took the life of retired firefighter James William “Hollywood” Adams last week. He was 59.

Better known as “Hollywood” to his fellow firefighters, he died at his home in Rockwall after serving more than 28 years with Dallas Fire-Rescue, before retiring in 2011 as a Driver/Engineer.

In addition, he and his wife, Debbie, owned and operated Children’s Learning Center of Rockwall for over 30 years.

According to his obituary at Rest Haven Funeral Home, services were held last week at First Baptist Church of Rockwall, where he was a member. Burial was in Rest Haven Memorial Park.

He battled medical problems for years, including a benign tumor on his spine and a brain tumor that doctors said would end his career. But he battled back and continued to serve.  In July 2013, he was diagnosed with cancer of the liver and bile duct and was told he had about six months to live, his sister said.

In addition to his sister, Adams is survived by his wife, Debbie Adams of Rockwall; a son, Johnny Adams of Farmers Branch; a daughter, Amy Adams of Rockwall; his parents, Howard and Genie Adams of Dallas; and a brother, Paul Adams of Dallas.

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ROYSE CITY – The Exxon Prime Travel Stop building, located at 1016 E. I-30 – just east of Sunmart and Soulman’s Bar-B-Que – burned to the ground overnight.

From the photos, it appears the building is a total loss.

The Royse City Fire Department is on the scene and we expect to learn more details from the Fire Chief later today.

By J.J. Smith

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ROCKWALL – Monetary donations are urgently needed by Rockwall County Helping Hands immediately so the non-profit organization can purchase and provide school supplies for 1,000 children in the Rockwall and Royse City school districts at its distribution fair this Saturday.

Students eligible to receive supplies come from low-income families who often have suffered loss of employment or serious medical issues.

Since Helping Hands can purchase supplies at a discount, monetary donations are encouraged rather than school supplies, according to Melody Hail, Director of Development.

“We hope to be able to spend at least $20 per child,” she said. “Donations of any amount will be beneficial.”

Donations can be made online at www.rockwallhelpinghands.com or by mailing a check to:

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ROCKWALL- A new state-of-the-art website called RockwallRocks.com was launched yesterday by The Rockwall News to bring more visitors, shoppers and businesses to Rockwall.

Positioning picturesque Rockwall as an ideal Daycation and Weekend Getaway, the 50-plus page website uses large moving photos and videos to show the beauty of the lakeside community, plus promotes numerous Things To Do and Events to attract visitors.

The site also positions fast-growing Rockwall as an excellent location for new businesses to open, in hopes of keeping property taxes low for Rockwall area residents.

“Our quality of life in Rockwall is exceptional,” said RockwallRocks.com producer J.J. Smith, who also publishes The Rockwall News. “But we need thousands more people to visit, spend money here and dozens more businesses to open so we can keep property taxes low.”

“We also need to open several more attractions and host many more big events so we can attract thousands more visitors. The Rockwall News already produces the Rockwall Memorial Day Concert and 4th of July Parades for these purposes and we’ll soon be announcing even more big events to attract tens of thousands more visitors to Rockwall.”

By J.J. Smith

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ROCKWALL – Rockwall-Heath ninth-grade student Chrishia Norise Odette was tragically struck and killed by a vehicle last night on Horizon Rd. near Chase Bank when she ran across the road to retrieve a dropped cell phone.

Funeral arrangements for the 13-year-old, who was born Feb. 12, 2001, will be handled by Restland Funeral Home in Coppell; which also arranged the funeral for her mother, Shiomara Odette, who passed away June 23, 2013 from breast cancer.

Further information is expected from Rockwall Police Monday.

By J.J. Smith

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ROCKWALL – The semi-annual Aspasians Arts & Crafts Fair to raise funds for college scholarships for Rockwall and Rockwall-Heath High School graduating seniors will be this Saturday, 9 am – 5 pm, at the RISD football stadium, 1201 TL Townsend Dr.

For over 40 years the non-profit women’s group has hosted the Fair, raising and donating hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarship money.

According to Publicity Chair Kelly Webb, 100 percent of the proceeds received from selling booth space and bottled water at the event, goes to scholarships.

“Last year we gave $60,000 in scholarships, two from each high school,” she explained. “Each scholarship was $15,000 and was given to a graduating senior for their their pursuit of higher education. This was the first year that we were able to give that much, and it is all because of the art show.”

“Aspasians is a family friendly event, absolutely no alcohol is sold or allowed, so it is good, clean family fun,” she added. “We have vendors of all kinds from food to retail goods to crafts to entertainment and games for children.”

By J.J. Smith

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U.S. Marine Cpl. Michael Fox (left) with McClendon-Chisholm Mayor Gary Moody

MCCLENDON CHISHOLM – Want to volunteer for a great cause this Saturday and help a severely injured U.S. Marine Afghanistan War veteran, whom Homes For Our Troops is building a free home for?

This Saturday has been designated Volunteer Day by the A-rated non-profit, which has already built over 160 homes nationwide for returning and injured troops. Volunteers are needed to help install landscaping around the home being built for U.S. Marine Cpl. Michael Fox. The groundbreaking in January was attended by over 300 local residents, including many government, military and law enforcement officials who welcomed Fox to his new home site at 409 Herron Circle.

According to Community Outreach Coordinator Chris Mitchell, volunteers should bring their work gloves, small garden tools and plenty of sunscreen. The work begins at 9 am and will continue until the landscaping is done. For more information, contact Mitchell at cmitchell@hfotusa.org. He asks that volunteers RSVP if you are coming.

The Rockwall News is planning a fundraising BBQ/Concert for Homes For Our Troops and Cpl. Michael Fox Saturday, Nov. 8, 5-8 pm, at Eddie Deen’s BBQ. The new restaurant is located on Hwy. 205, midway between Rockwall and Terrell – about two miles from Cpl. Fox’s new home. One-hundred percent of the money raised will be donated to Homes For Our Troops to help with building costs for Fox’s home.

Honda Cars of Rockwall and the new Rockwall Gun Club are two of the primary event sponsors. More are sought. The Rockwall County Republican Party will provide some of the volunteers needed for the event. More are needed. For more info, email publisher J.J. Smith, jj@myrockwallnews.com.

Cpl. Fox lost his legs in 2011, during his third deployment, in an explosion when he stepped on an IED in Afghanistan. He now walks on prosthetics. He currently lives in San Diego and said he chose to move to the Rockwall area to be close to friends.

By J.J. Smith

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ROCKWALL – The crowning of Rockwall High School’s Homecoming King Andrew Sauerwein by his classmates Friday night made national and regional news when USA Today, as well as WFAA8-TV News and NBC5TV News reported the story.

Andrew has Down Syndrome. He also plays in the band and has participated in nearly every sport.

His mother, teacher Stacy Sauerwein, told NBC5 News that it is so cool that his classmates see his ability and not his disability.

“It’s so cool to have people believe in our child. It’s just amazing! They don’t see his disability. They see his ability,” she said.

His mother recalled when she first heard about it she thought it was a joke and “died laughing.”

But then she learned it was true. Her friend advised her to buy him a suit and get prepared.

So when he took his parents’ hands and walked to the center of the football field with other nominees and his name was announced, “Homecoming King, Mr. Andrew Sauerwein,” Stacy said it brought a flood of tears to her eyes.

Raising his hands in the air, Andrew smiled and excitedly raised his hands, embracing his new title.

“He’s got every excuse in the world not to do things, but he does them,” added his father, Steve Sauerwein. “He’s an inspiration to everybody.”

His mother said Andrew frequently gives her advice.

“He tells me to be nice. He tells me to be strong, and he tells me to just enjoy life no matter what,” she said.

Fellow band member and Rockwall senior Natalie Pang explained that he’s a very hard worker.

“He’s one of the hardest working students out here,” she said. “If you look at everyone else, I mean, they all work hard, but Andrew has to go the extra mile. But when he does, his results are far more greater than ours.”

By the way, not to be overlooked, the Homecoming Queen was Abby Childers.

By J.J. Smith

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Marine Cpl. Michael Fox (left) and his friend, Bernard Camp, after thousands of feet of sod were laid around his new home

MCCLENDON-CHISHOLM – About 500 volunteers showed up on Volunteer Day Saturday to lay sod and install landscaping at the new home being built by Homes For Our Troops for Marine Cpl. Michael Fox at 400 Herron Ct.

Homes For Our Troops in a non-profit that has built over 160 homes nationwide for severely-injured Afghanistan and Iraq War veterans.

Cpl. Fox, who lost his legs at the knees fighting in Afghanistan when he stepped on an IED and now walks on prosthetics, expressed how grateful he was for all the help. He came all the way from San Diego for the weekend.

“No way I could let all these great people do all this for me without being here,” he told The Rockwall News.” I’m very grateful for so many nice people who have welcomed us here.”

Fox said he chose to have his home built here because he has a number of friends in the area whom he wanted to live by.

The groundbreaking was held last January and attended by over 300 people, including Congressman Ralph Hall, Rockwall County Commissioners, McClendon-Chisholm Gary Moody and many veterans. The key ceremony is scheduled for early December, when the home will be completed and keys will be given to Fox.

The Rockwall News is planning a Veterans Day fundraising BBQ/Concert at Eddie Deen’s BBQ on Hwy 205, Saturday, Nov. 8, 5-8 pm. Profits will be donated to Homes For Our Troops, which has now officially sanctioned the event, and specifically designated to the Michael Fox home. County music recording stars Rhythm -n- Roses will play from about 5:30 to 8 pm, while food is being served. More details will be announced soon.

By J.J. Smith

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ROCKWALL – The fifth annual Festival of Trees and Gala Dinner and Auction at the Hilton Hotel this weekend will usher in the Christmas season in Rockwall County.

Dozens of decorated trees, wreaths and centerpieces presented by several businesses and decorated by some of the area’s most talented designers will be on display and for sale in the Hotel Conference Center from 8 am – 5 pm Saturday and Sunday. Sales proceeds will benefit Helping Hands of Rockwall, which serves County residents in crisis with numerous resources.

The Gala Dinner and Auction will be Saturday at 6 pm. Tickets can be purchased for $85 per person at the event or online. The centerpieces will be for sale and the live auction will include dinner parties, trips to world class beaches and jewelry from Willis Fine Jewelry will be raffled off during the evening.

Local artists and designers will also participate in the Re-purpose Challenge, entering furniture and household items that have been rescued from the scrap pile and re-purposed into new products.  All items will be for sale during the Festival.

Click here for more info at RockwallHelpingHands.com

By Roxana Smith

The post Helping Hands Festival of Trees, Gala this weekend ushers in Christmas season appeared first on The Rockwall News.

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WEST MONROE LA – JFK Elementary school in Terrell second grade teacher Michael Hardman; his wife, Trudi; and three of their six children were killed in a single-car crash overnight while traveling through Louisiana to Disney World in Orlando FL.

The family lived in Wills Point where Trudi was a Wills Point ISD kindergarten teacher. The deceased children were 15, 7 and 4 years old.

One of the three surviving children was critically injured and is in a Shreveport hospital, according to a family friend who posted the information on Facebook.

West Monroe police said the horrific crash happened around midnight when a juvenile driver lost control and the family’s SUV began rolling. Six of the eight occupants were ejected.

An account has been established to help the family if you would like to donate at:  http://www.gofundme.com/hardmanfamily

By J.J. Smith

The post Terrell 2nd grade teacher, wife, 3 children killed en route to Disney World appeared first on The Rockwall News.

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ROCKWALL – A memorial service for five members of the Wills Point Michael and Trudi Hardman family, who were killed Wednesday night when their 16-year-old son fell asleep and lost control of their 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe while driving to Disney World, will be held Wednesday at Noon at Lakeshore Church, 5575 Hwy 205, in Rockwall.

According to the Anderson Clayton Funeral Home, the family will receive friends beginning at 10 am. A private burial service will be held at a later time.

Children killed were Dakota James Watson, 15,  Adam Hardman, 7, and Kaci Hardman, 4.

One of the three surviving children was reported Friday to still be in critical but stable condition in a Shreveport hospital. The other two were hospitalized but have been released.

The teen driver who survived was cited for reckless operation of a vehicle, a misdemeanor, by Lousiana State Police, but the Monroe LA district attorney stated he will dismiss the charges since the boy has already been through enough.

Police said the deceased were not wearing seat belts and all were ejected from the vehicle.

A GoFundMe donation account has been established by Rockwall resident Chrissy Cummons Allmann, who is friends with Michael Hardman’s brother, Drew Hardman, who will receive the donation check. Already over $25,000 has been contributed. She writes on the website page that funds will be used to pay for the five funerals/memorials. Any additional funds will be split three ways to the surviving boys.

By J.J. Smith

The post Memorial service Wednesday for 5 family members killed en route to Disney World appeared first on The Rockwall News.

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ROCKWALL – RISD Board of Trustees member and Rockwall Chamber of Commerce Board member Jon Bailey was named the new Executive Director of Rockwall County Helping Hands Dec. 6, effective Jan. 1, 2015.

The current Trend HR Sales and Marketing Director will replace longtime Executive Director Margo Nielsen, who has served since 1989 and is retiring in February, 2015.

“I’m delighted that the Board chose Jon to lead the agency,” said Nielsen. “I know that he will bring a fresh perspective and energy to Helping Hands as the agency continues to serve Rockwall residents by providing essential services and vital healthcare.”

Bailey grew up in Rockwall, graduating from Rockwall High School in 1992 and from Texas A&M Commerce in 1997. He is a past president of the Rockwall Rotary Club.

Lorne Liechty, Chairman of the Board of Directors, said the Board of Directors of Helping Hands engaged an executive search consultant who performed a nationwide search for the right person to lead Helping Hands into the future.

“After considering many qualified candidates, we were very excited to hire Jon Bailey for this position,” Liechty said. “His extensive ties to Rockwall County are a great advantage to fulfilling our mission to provide vital, essential services to people in our local community. We believe that his experience and talents will help us accomplish our mission of providing these essential services to our neighbors throughout Rockwall County.”

Click here to read the history of Helping Hands.

By J.J. Smith

The post RISD Board member Jon Bailey to replace Margo Nielsen as Helping Hands Director appeared first on The Rockwall News.

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Marine Cpl. Michael Fox (left) and friend in front of his nearly completed free home

MCCLENDON-CHISHOLM – The key ceremony for the new specially-built home being constructed for free by Homes For Our Troops for severely-injured Marine Corporal Michael Fox has been scheduled for Dec. 18 at 6 pm at 400 Herron Ct, just off Highway 205, on the way to Terrell.

The non-profit has raised funds and built over 160 specially-adapted, mortgage-free homes nationwide for severely-injured Afghanistan and Iraq War veterans since its founding in 2004.

Hundreds of area residents welcomed Cpl. Fox to the area at the groundbreaking ceremony last January, helped with landscaping in September and are invited back again next week to welcome him to the neighborhood when he receives the keys to his new home.

Local officials will address the crowd before the keys are handed to him. After the ceremony, guests are invited to tour the home.

Several items and volunteers are needed for the ceremony, including tables, chairs, someone to sing the National Anthem and event sponsors.

Click here to see what is needed. To help or obtain info, email event coordinator Ashley Twigg at: atwigg@hfotusa.org.

Corporal Fox was on his third deployment when he suffered the traumatic amputations of both of his legs in an IED blast in Musa Qala, Afghanistan, Nov. 15, 2011. He now walks on prosthetics.

Arriving at Walter Reed National Medical Center in Bethesda, MD, after being injured, Cpl. Fox endured many more surgeries over the course of the next month. Eventually transferred to Balboa Naval Medical Center in San Diego for treatments and therapies, he remained there until his retirement.

Cpl Fox said he enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, Erica and hopes to return to college and study either automotive or photography. A racing enthusiast, he enjoys racing at the local drag strips and loves deep sea fishing.

Cpl Fox wrote he would like to thank everyone who is helping to give him:

“…this incredible opportunity to live in a specially adapted home designed to meet my specific needs…a place to call my own. I will be able to be financially sound and can pursue my hopes and dreams all with an improved daily quality of life. THANK YOU!”

By J.J. Smith

The post All invited when injured Marine Cpl. Michael Fox receives new home keys Dec. 18 appeared first on The Rockwall News.