Wasilla veteran receives adapted house from Homes for Our Troops

WASILLA — U.S. Army veteran Randall Young is receiving a free custom-built home from Homes For Our Troops, a national nonprofit organization that donates specially adapted custom homes for severely injured post 9/11 veterans across the country.

“This home is really a ticket for freedom for a lot of us vets,” Young said. “I cannot express my heartfelt gratitude enough for Homes for Our Troops and those that provided materials and their time and their funding.”

Young is receiving the first home built in Alaska through Homes For Our Troops, who held a public kick off ceremony Aug. 14 at the Wasilla Bible Church.

Several Alaskan politicians, including Gov. Mike Dunleavy, Sen. David Wilson, Wasilla Mayor Glenda Ledford, and Palmer Mayor Edna DeVries joined the kick-off ceremony to celebrate the milestone and wish Young the best on his journey to a new life with a new home that is specially adapted to support his daily activities.

“It’s great to finally get this build underway in Alaska and we can’t wait to get it done so Randall can get on with rebuilding his life,” Homes For Our Troops President/CEO and retired Brigadier General Tom Landwermeyer said. “He’s one of our veterans who volunteered to serve, went downrange, and really sacrificed for the rest of us for what we enjoy every single day. We owe everything to our veterans… What we’re doing is a very small portion of paying that debt. It’ll never be completely repaid for what he’s done for this country.”

Young is a retired Army Staff Sergeant that was injured while serving in Iraq. His vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device during his second combat deployment in 2007, crushing his legs and leaving him with permanent pain and movement limitations.

Young walks with the assistance of a cane. His new home is being built in Wasilla and it will feature over 40 special adaptations to improve his overall mobility and quality of life, including widened doorways for wheelchair access, a roll-in shower, and kitchen amenities that include pull-down shelving and lowered countertops. He said that cooking is one of his favorite things to do and eagerly awaits the opportunity to independently reclaim that pastime next summer when the house is ready.

“There was a moment of, ‘step back, wait, is this real?’ and it is. It’s a wonderful opportunity,” Young said.

Young grew up in Fort Hood, Texas with a family history of military service with relatives serving across multiple branches. He said that of course had its influence but he ultimately joined the Army with his own goal in mind.

“It’s just part of my life. It’s who I am. You could say it’s a family tradition but it’s more that I felt the need to serve my country for those who were unable to serve and those who were unwilling to serve. I could serve in their place,” Young said.

Home For Our Troops builds homes where the receiving veteran chooses to live. Young said that he currently lives in a small cabin off Fairview Loop. He said that he moved to the Valley several years ago after traveling across the country to see where he wanted to plant his roots.

According to Landwermeyer, Young’s home will be the 320th home they’ve built across 42 other states since the organization’s inception in 2004.

“I think you would all agree that these troops, including Randall, fought enough for us. They shouldn’t have to be fighting through challenges every single day in their homes. Your home ought to be a for resting and that’s where we come in,”

Those interested in making a donation to Home For Our Troops can make a contribution through their website. To learn more about Young’s story can watch his video at hfotusa.org/young.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com