A Marine seriously injured in Afghanistan will be having a custom-home built for him in Queen Creek by the national nonprofit organization, Homes For Our Troops (HFOT).

On Saturday, April 2, HFOT will kick off the building of a specially adapted custom home for Marine Cpl. Yevgeniy “Yev” Shenker. The community kickoff event signifies the start of the building process and will introduce Shenker to the community. The event will take place at Calvary Chapel of Queen Creek, 19248 E. San Tan Blvd., Queen Creek, at 10 a.m. Check-in is at 9:30 a.m. The public is welcome to attend.

In 2011, during his first combat deployment, Shenker was on a clearing effort in Sangin District, Helmand Province, Afghanistan, with the Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division, when an improvised explosive device detonated. Shenker and six of his comrades were injured. Shenker lost his left leg and sustained severe damage to his right leg and arm. 

The home being built for Shenker will feature more than 40 major special adaptations, such as widened doorways for wheelchair access, a roll-in shower and kitchen amenities that include pull-down shelving and lowered countertops. The home also will alleviate the mobility and safety issues associated with a traditional home, including navigating a wheelchair through narrow hallways or over thresholds, or reaching for cabinets that are too high.  

HFOT has built more 325 homes since the organization’s inception in 2004. Homes For Our Troops relies on contributions from donors, supporters and corporate partners for the building of each veteran’s home. Community members may hold fundraisers or make donations. To find out how to get involved or make a donation visit www.hfotusa.org.  Read more about Shenker’s story and watch his video at www.hfotusa.org/shenker.