The national nonprofit organization Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) will kick off the building of a specially adapted custom home for Army Sergeant Aaron Boyle on Saturday, May 11. Boyle lost his right arm and right leg while serving in Afghanistan.

The Community Kickoff event signifies the start of the build process and will introduce Boyle to the community. The event will be held at New Life Christian Center, 13036 Morris Road S.E., Yelm, WA 98597 at 10 a.m. (Check-in begins at 9:30 a.m.) The public is welcome to attend.

There will be two processionals in Boyle’s honor running through Yelm. Chargers will go through at 9:30 a.m. and motorcycles will make the trip at 10:30 a.m., according to Yelm Police. The processionals will begin at Mr. Dougs, then take 103rd to Creek Street. From there, they will cross Yelm Avenue to Bald Hills Road and take a right onto Morris road, ending at the church.

Children will be given flags to wave as they welcome the processions.

Mayor JW Forster, Thurston County Commissioner Gary Edwards, HFOT Executive Director Bill Ivey, and Boyle will all speak at the event. State Senator Randi Becker, R-Olympia, will also be in attendance.

Following the ceremony, lunch will be served and there will be chances for people to get involved with the program as everyone eats lunch.

“Community events are a key part of the build process because it gives residents a chance to welcome the Veteran to their community and learn more about how they can get involved in Homes For Our Troops,” said Teresa Verity, who does public relations for HFOT. “Most of our Veterans consider their HFOT home their forever home, so it’s important they know their local community cares and supports them.”

On Sept. 21, 2010, Boyle was on patrol in the Arghandab River Valley when he stepped on an improvised explosive device. The blast resulted in the loss of his right arm, right leg, and severe damage to his left leg.

Now medically retired, Boyle and his wife Lynn are busy raising their three children. He is involved with the local gym and would like to pursue a career as a motivational speaker.

The home being built for Boyle 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 will also 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 274 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 more on how to get involved or make a donation visit www.hfotusa.org.

Read more about Boyle’s story and watch his video online.