For families living with service-related injuries, Father’s Day is an opportunity to honor the milestones, traditions, and everyday moments that become possible when they have the support and stability they need to thrive.
For Army Sergeant Nate Shumaker, fatherhood is rooted in being present for his family and sharing in the experiences that bring them closer together. After sustaining life-changing injuries in a mortar attack in Afghanistan in 2010, Nate faced challenges that could have limited his independence and participation in family life. Instead, with the support of his family and a specially adapted custom HFOT home, he continues to embrace every opportunity to stay active and engaged.
In September 2020, Nate and his family received their mortgage-free HFOT home in Hillsboro, Missouri. Since then, the home has provided the foundation for Nate and his family to rebuild their lives with greater independence, stability, and peace of mind.
Today, the Shumaker family is constantly on the move. Nate recently completed the Go St. Louis Half Marathon, achieving his goal of finishing the race in under three hours. His determination has inspired those around him, including his eldest son, Ely, who is already making a name for himself as a standout track athlete. In 2026, Ely earned a first-place medal in the open 800-meter race at the 5th Annual Invitational.
Nate’s wife, Missy, also maintains an active lifestyle. She regularly exercises in the family’s home gym and enjoys taking long walks, often joined by their children, Kaylee and Wyatt. No matter the season, the family enjoys spending time outdoors together, accompanied by their loyal dogs, Ranger and Cannon.
While the family enjoys staying active, some of the most meaningful moments happen at home. Nate remains deeply involved in his children’s daily routines, including helping Wyatt brush his teeth and getting the kids settled for bed each night.
The home’s impact extends beyond accessibility. During severe weather, the family has found comfort and security in features designed specifically with their needs in mind. After a recent storm, Missy shared, “So incredibly thankful for our HFOT home and our amazing storm closet. And HFOT called us to check in after the storms. We will be in our home six years in September, and they still call. That is what matters, and that is what we love about them. HFOT is family, and we are so grateful for this organization.”
Because of HFOT donors and supporters, Veterans like Nate are able to focus on what matters most: being present for their families, pursuing their goals, and creating lasting memories with the people they love. We are proud to recognize fathers like Nate, whose resilience, commitment, and love help build strong families and thriving communities.