SSG Joseph “Blake” Deloach

West Palm Beach, FL

Mission Accomplished on Aug. 6, 2022

Blake DeLoach always knew patriotism was in his blood. He joined the Army shortly after high school as a 19D Scout.

On Oct. 18, 2010, Staff Sergeant DeLoach was serving with the 1-32nd Cavalry, 101st Airborne Division, in Kunar Province, Afghanistan when a rocket propelled grenade (RPG) struck his vehicle, resulting in vision loss and spinal fractures.

Stateside, Blake attended several blind rehabilitation centers, which led him to his wife, Lauren, who worked at the VA Blind Rehabilitation Center in Augusta, Georgia.

After settling into their specially adapted custom HFOT home, Blake and Lauren have taken meaningful steps forward in both their personal and professional lives. In 2023, Lauren joined Lifetime Memoirs, where she helps clients turn their life stories into beautifully crafted autobiographies that families treasure for generations. Blake completed his certification in massage therapy, competes in powerlifting at an Olympic level, and has independently taught himself to play the guitar.

Most recently, Blake and Lauren brought their skills together to start a custom woodworking venture called Built Blind, creating handcrafted pieces that reflect their shared creativity and craftsmanship.

Blake says his specially adapted custom HFOT home enables him to become more involved in the community and increases his independence. An open floor plan that is easy to navigate and an accessible shower mitigates safety hazards. Most of all, Blake and Lauren are happy to have the stability of a permanent home, something Blake never had before. “This home frees up a lot of time for us. It gives us a sense of belonging,” he says.

Originally from South Carolina, Blake chose to build his home in Florida for the warm weather and friendly community.

Blake says no amount of thanks can convey the gratitude he feels toward HFOT donors and supporters. “This opportunity is life-changing and what you do really makes a difference in every Veteran’s life,” he says.

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related articles:

  • Town Crier, Dec. 2, 2021 – Homes For Our Troops Kicks Off Project For Injured Veteran.
  • WPTV, Dec. 2, 2021 – The public is invited Saturday to a volunteer day event near Jupiter to help a wounded Veteran.
  • 12News, Nov. 16, 2021 – Homes For Our Troops, a national nonprofit organization, will break ground for a new specially-adapted custom home for local Veteran Joseph “Blake” DeLoach.