by: James Oliver, President of Highlander Construction and Development
Recently, our company announced that we would be working with “Homes For Our Troops” (HFOT), a national non-profit charity whose sacred mission is to assist severely injured Servicemen and Servicewomen and their immediate families by raising donations of money, building materials and professional labor and to coordinate the process of building a home that provides maximum freedom of movement and the ability to live more independently. HFOT is honoring the service and sacrifice of Marine Sgt. Jeremy Austin, a Pulaski County native, who , with the construction of a new home in Pulaski.
The employees and stock holders of Highlander Construction & Development are honored and excited to be involved in this great endeavor. As we get ready to start this project I thought I would take the opportunity to express our thanks to all of the men and women who wear the uniform and serve our Country all over the world. Too often their dedication and sacrifice, and that of their families, is remembered and honored only when tragedy strikes. That is certainly not intentional, just the facts and consequences of a fast paced and busy world. It especially easy to forget the nature of their service and sacrifice when the military campaigns we watch on television from the comfort of our cozy living rooms are out of the news.
I know most Americans share my love and enthusiasm for our Country and our service men and women. Helping to build this house for Sgt. Austin is way for us to give something back; however, it alone is not enough because there are many more people like Sgt. Austin across this Country who must be honored. This experience has already taught me a lot about the kind of person I want to be and we haven’t even started clearing the lot yet. I have a feeling there will be many more lessons to be learned along the way.
Our company has already received so many offers of assistance for this project and we only announced it two weeks ago. I sense many others feel the same way I do about honoring Sgt. Austin and all those like him who have given so much in the service of their Country. Rest assured we will be continually reaching out for help. For those who have already volunteered – Thank You. For those who are willing please don’t hesitate to contact us and offer your services, whatever they may be. Join us in giving something back, now and in the future.