The community is invited to break ground on a new home for an American Hero, U.S. Army Spc. Heath Howes and his family in Hawks Rest in Wildwood, MO. The ceremony will take place Thursday, March 22, 2018 at 1:00 p.m.
Operation FINALLY HOME, Hibbs General Contracting and Hibbs Homes will join U.S. Army Spc. Heath Howes and his family to celebrate a groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the family’s future custom-built, mortgage-free home, Thursday (March 22) at 1 p.m. The community is invited to welcome Heath, his wife Savannah, and their sons to the Hawks Rest community in Wildwood, Mo.
Having grown up in a military family, U.S. Army Spc. Heath Howes always knew he would follow in the footsteps of his family members. On January 25, 2011, Howes traveled to Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, to begin Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training to join the Field Artillery as a Cannon Crewmember. Following training, Howes received orders that he would be stationed at Ft. Bliss in El Paso, Texas. Eager to begin the next chapter of his life, Howes deployed to Afghanistan a few months later.
As he adjusted to military life abroad, Howes relied heavily on his faith to carry him through the tough days. Several months into his deployment, his combat outpost was attacked by a suicide bomber carrying over 1,200 pounds of explosives. Even though his unit was unharmed, Howes considers that day one of the longest of his deployment. On June 27, 2012, his truck was hit by a 200-pound IED (improvised explosive device) during a vehicle patrol. The driver, Howes’ best friend, and soldier sitting across from Howes were immediately killed, while Howes and his captain sustained life-threatening injuries. To this day, he cannot recall anything that happened following the explosion.
Howes’ injuries include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a traumatic brain injury (TBI), a spinal burst, fractured ribs, nerve damage in his left leg, severe right ankle fracture, collapsed lung and more. He was honorably discharged in January 2014. His wife, Savannah, serves as his primary caretaker, driving him to the nearest VA facility that is two and a half hours away and helping him in his wheelchair when necessary. Although recovery is a long process, Howes remains determined to continue healing physically, mentally and spiritually. In recognition of his courageous military service, Howes had been honored with numerous awards, including a Purple Heart, an Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two stars, two Combat Action Badges, an Army Commendation Medal and NATO Medal.
Since Howes is currently unable to work, he spends his time coaching his sons’ T-ball and baseball teams, giving him a sense of purpose. His goal is to teach the young boys hard work, discipline and sportsmanship. As Howes continues to receive rehabilitative care, his wife hopes to eventually return to pharmacy training. Howes grew up in the St. Louis area and is looking forward to returning to be closer to family and friends.
The Howes were surprised with the announcement they were receiving a new home at a St. Louis Cardinals game in September of 2016.
The home is being designed and built by Hibbs Homes.
Based in New Braunfels, Texas, Operation FINALLY HOME was established in 2005 as a nonpartisan/nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. The mission of Operation FINALLY HOME is to provide homes and home modifications to America’s military Heroes and the widows of the fallen who have sacrificed so much to defend our freedoms and values. For more information about Operation FINALLY HOME, visit OperationFINALLYHOME.org, follow @OpFINALLYHOME on Twitter and find us on Facebook.
Hibbs Homes is a leading custom home builder in the St. Louis area. Since 2004, the local builder has focused on custom and luxury homes for a variety of price ranges and lifestyles. For more, visit www.HibbsHomes.com.
