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Right at home
Remember Homes For Our Troops? The nonprofit returned to Montrose over the weekend, this time, to introduce another worthy veteran, Danny Wallace. Wallace was blinded in one eye and rendered legally blind in the other (with ever-weakening vision) after an explosion in Iraq in 2003.
Wallace will now the be third deserving veteran in Montrose to receive a specially built custom home, one that is adaptive to his needs. He joins fellow veterans Nick Morris and Steven Baskis as HFOT housing recipients.
Attending the welcoming ceremony on Saturday reminded me that others face challenges I do not. Wallace's wife, Kelly, discussed some of those in detail; things you would not think about until confronted with them.
Wallace tells me that having a home equipped with smart technology — and one that is paid for — is a godsend. And it seems the least we can do for our veterans.
No nonprofit can meet all housing needs for veterans, and housing insecurity is a big issue for veterans here in Montrose. HFOT is keeping at its mission of helping disabled veterans, though, despite the pandemic and now, soaring construction and land costs.
(Above, veterans on motorcycles lead a convoy into the parking lot of Grace Community Church on Saturday, escorting Wallace to a meet-and-greet, as people waved flags and cheered in welcome.)
— Katharhynn from the newsroom
The news is not kind
The world woke up to a whole lot of hurt on Sunday and Monday.
On Sunday night, a gunman killed three players on the University of Virginia football team and injured others. Lavell Davis Jr., Devin Chandler, and D'Sean Perry all died in the attack. A suspect is in custody.
On Sunday, a terrorist blast killed six people and wounded at least 81 more in Istanbul, Turkey. Authorities suspect a woman left a package of explosives in the heart of Istanbul's Beyoglu Square. It detonated in a packed market area.
Then there is the horrific mid-air crash during the Wings Over Dallas airshow on Saturday. Six people died when a Bell P-63 Kingcobra collided with a B-17 Flying Fortress, sending both planes plunging to the ground, where they exploded into a fireball in front of horrified onlookers, many of whom captured the tragedy on video. It is gut-wrenching to see, in real time, how crew members Terry Barker, Craig Hutain, Kevin Michels, Dan Regan, Len Root and Curt Rowe passed away.
Much closer to home, on Monday morning, someone discovered a wrecked vehicle on Ash Mesa Road, Delta County. Although details are brief right now, authorities say the driver, a 40-year-old Olathe woman, was killed.
There is so much we are powerless to change. I offer my condolences to everyone affected by all of these tragedies. If you're inclined, spare a prayer or a thought for them. And if you can think of any action to take to help them, please do so.
Thought-provoking
Interested in something different? Tuesday night entertainment?
Check out Ignite Montrose, which begins at 7 p.m. at 511 E. Main St. Topics: the power of de-stressing, measuring climate change in Montrose, refueling Navy ships, effective negotiation and a real -life "Young Sheldon."
Think of it as "speed learning," as your friends and neighbors hold forth in five-minute presentations. Info: https://ignitemontrose.weebly.com/
Did you enter?
You can win a fully stocked freezer! Just purchase or renew an annual subscription to the Daily Press, or convert your subscription to EZ Pay. (Terms and conditions apply.) Each new or renewed annual subscription purchased or EZ Pay conversion between now and Nov. 30 will receive one entry. A winner will be drawn Dec. 2. Stop by 3684 N. Townsend Ave. to register. (Note: meat will be fresh when picked up.)
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