Patriot PAWS gets new house as beacon of hope for U.S. veterans
By Sheena Beaver
Director of Education
On Friday, May 31, a dedication ceremony was held to mark the completion of a well-deserved home for the Patriot PAWS organization. This home will stand as a beacon of hope in the City of Rockwall. Although it is located in Texas, the home will serve veterans throughout the nation.
Patriot PAWS trains and provides service dogs at no cost to disabled veterans and others with mobile disabilities. They achieve this by partnering with local, state and national organizations such as the Dallas Builders Association.
This build was no small feat. It required several deviations for a standard residential build, including commercially rated fire sprinklers and alarm system on top of being so precise as to comply with ADA requirements. But Builder Captains Mishler Builders and Altura Homes stepped up to the challenge. They ensured everything within the home was there to benefit the end users, our honored military veterans.
The partnership objective was to build a 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom suite style home. The property is located in Rockwall on the lot next to the Patriot PAWS training facility. The home is fully ADA compliant with an open kitchen and living room concept that will serve as a place for veterans to stay as they become acquainted with their new best friend and for those who need a refresher training on handling skills. Patriot PAWS will also be offering this as a place to say for any veteran who might need some time away or to meet with other veterans and play cards, watch sports and relax away from the demands of the world.
At the ceremony, State Representative Justin Holland thanked Patriot PAWS for the outstanding work they do and commended the Dallas BA for generously partnering with the organization. Mayor Pro Tem Dana Macalik addressed the crowd and thanked all involved in the build. She stated how proud Rockwall is to have such a great organization such as Patriot PAWS based in the community. She further mentioned the wonderful partnership between the city and Patriot PAWS, which was shown in the city’s willingness to waive fees and assist throughout the build.
Representatives from Congressman Ratcliff’s office and Senator Hall’s office presented flags that had been flown over the US Capitol and the Texas State Capitol. Senator Cornyn’s representative was also in attendance and offered to assist secure federal grants for Patriot PAWS.
Dallas BA Executive Officer Phil Crone noted the wonderful support and representation from all three levels of government that enhance this great organization’s success.
“Charitable projects are not easy,” Crone points out. “Many hands have to come together and work towards a common purpose. This project was uniquely challenging because it had a blend of both commercial and residential construction requirements. Despite the hurdles, Mishler Builders and Altura Homes along with their trade partners delivered a spectacular facility.”
Crone adds, “So few of our population serves, yet so much is owed to them. Those fortunate enough to return often do with wounds seen and unseen. For many, the road home starts right here as they get to know their new best friend who lives to serve them.”
Patriot PAWS Assistant Executive Director Teri Stringer heartfully thanked the builders and the vendors for the donations and time taken to help realize this dream. “It all started when Jerry Holcomb walked into my office and told me what his plan for the house next door was,” she said. “I looked at him and said, ‘Well, this is a prayer answered.’”
Builder Captains Justin Webb, Altura Homes, and Mike Mishler, Mishler Builders, stood together as they thanked their many suppliers and trade contractors for such generosity. Justin Webb said, “When it came time to select builders for the project it was an easy decision since Patriot PAWS is in our backyard.’’
Mike Mishler, who built a custom-mortgage free home for the Holcomb family three years ago in Rockwall, thanked Jerry Holcomb for introducing Patriot PAWS and the Dallas Builders Association. He noted the build was rewarding and challenging all the same.
Father Brown gave a blessing over the home for all who will dwell in it over the many years.
Phil Crone invited dignitaries, the builders and Patriot PAWS to join him in the ceremonial ribbon cutting and into the home for an open house and lunch courtesy of Raising Cane’s. The event brought over 100 people to join together in celebrating a new beginning and a place of healing for all who have served.
Photos are courtesy of Scott Roberts of Creative Architects.
