Father’s Day is a time to honor those who have embraced the incredible journey of fatherhood. This year, we’re shining the spotlight on Army Sergeant Marcus Hayward—a 2024 HFOT home recipient—who credits his specially adapted custom home with providing him the freedom and accessibility to care for his children in an environment free of barriers.
In 2010, Marcus faced a life-altering challenge while serving on his third combat deployment in Afghanistan with the 385th Military Police Battalion. His vehicle struck a pressure plate IED, resulting in the loss of his left leg and severe damage to his eye, face, and left hand.
Marcus spent the next two years undergoing rehabilitation to learn how to walk again using a prosthetic. However, living in a two-story home with his wife, Elizabeth, and their children, Macayle and Mekhi, posed significant daily challenges.
“I had to scoot up and down the stairs. We didn’t have much space for maneuvering a wheelchair, so I hopped from the stairs to the couch, and by the time I would get in the shower at night, I couldn’t wait to lie down,” Marcus said.
His wife, Elizabeth, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the difficulty:
“When he wanted to go to the kids, and they were in bed, he had to hop on his leg. You worry about that—and I would try to do more, so he didn’t have to do as much—but you always want to give him the independence to be the father he wants to be.”
The Haywards’ specially adapted custom HFOT home allows Marcus to be a more active and involved father. The single-level layout with widened doorways and hallways provides full wheelchair access, enabling him to move freely throughout the home. The home also provides Elizabeth peace of mind, knowing Marcus’s safety is secure.
Marcus would like HFOT donors to know the impact of their generosity. “You are changing the lives of not only the Veterans but their families as well. Your support leaves each Veteran and family feeling cared for and seen.”
Homes For Our Troops offers our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated supporters whose contributions restore freedom and independence to our Veterans, allowing them to concentrate on their families, recovery, and future.
Warm wishes for a Happy Father’s Day.