CPL De’Shawn Kittrell

California, MD

Inspired by the example set by his father during two decades of service in the Navy, De’ Shawn Kittrell enlisted in the Army in 2011 to continue his family’s tradition of military service.

On September 27, 2012, Corporal Kittrell was serving as an Infantryman with the 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division in Afghanistan when he stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED). He sustained the loss of his right leg below the knee, shrapnel injuries to his left arm, and traumatic brain injury (TBI).

He was medically evacuated to Kandahar Airfield for immediate treatment before transferring to Landstuhl, Germany. Stateside, he underwent additional therapy and extensive rehabilitation at Walter Reed Medical Center.

De’Shawn and his fiancée, Rachel, are proud parents of five children: Rayniah, Rayhnelle, Desiray, Donovan, and De’Angelo. De’Shawn is a stay-at-home father who enjoys spending time with his children, whether it’s exploring parks, walking trails, or simply playing at home.

In their current multi-level home, De’Shawn is unable to use his wheelchair due to the home’s layout and accessibility limitations. As a result, he must frequently hop up and down the stairs to move throughout the house, creating daily physical challenges.

A specially adapted custom HFOT home would provide De’Shawn with full wheelchair access to every room, allowing him to navigate safely and independently. “The open layout of the home will be perfect for our big family to spread out and give everyone their own space. I also love the walk-in closet and roll-in bathroom, which will allow me to move around more easily and independently in my wheelchair.”

Originally from Maryland, De’Shawn is choosing to remain in his home state.

De’Shawn is deeply grateful to HFOT donors and supporters for their generosity and dedication to helping families in need. “Thank you for the help you have given previous and future Veterans. You are what keeps them at ease for years to come, and I commend you for that,” he says.

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