1stSgt Ben Holmes

ESCONDIDO, CA

Mission Accomplished on Sept. 25, 2021

Marine First Sergeant Ben Holmes immigrated to the United States from New Zealand in 1989 at the age of 12. In 1995, after finishing high school in rural East Texas, he joined the Marine Corps.

In 2011, while deployed to Afghanistan with the 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion (3rd LAR), Ben was injured when the vehicle he was commanding struck an improvised explosive device (IED) in Southern Helmand Province. The blast shattered his right ankle and broke the left side of his pelvis. After more than a year and 16 surgeries, doctors determined that a below-the-knee amputation was the best course of action.

Ben’s service included nearly four years as a Marine Corps drill instructor, six deployments, including two combat tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan, and concluded with his assignment as the I-MEF Inspector General Chief. Ben’s personal awards include two Purple Hearts and a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with “V” Device denoting valor in combat.

Since retiring in 2015, Ben has earned three master’s degrees in education, history and educational leadership. He currently works as a retail sales specialist, selling hunting, shooting and fishing gear. Ben and his wife, Diana, are active volunteers at their church and enjoy spending time with their three children.

Ben is grateful to have received a specially adapted custom home from Homes For Our Troops. The home’s accessibility gives him greater independence and allows him to focus on his work, education and family.

He chose to build his home in California for the warm climate and to be close to family and the VA.

Ben extends his deepest thanks to HFOT donors and supporters for honoring him and other Veterans for their service and sacrifice. “I am determined to repay the kindness and generosity my family has received by making a positive impact on the lives of others,” he says.

Ver: 09-26

related articles:

  • The Coast News Group, April 20, 2021 – A national nonprofit called Homes For Our Troops recently began building homes for two wounded Marine Veterans in Escondido.
  • CBS 8, April 9, 2021 – Homes for Our Troops will build two homes that are customized adaptable homes for two Marines injured while serving in Afghanistan.
  • Escondido Times-Advocate, April 8, 2021 – The national nonprofit organization, Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) will kick off building homes in Escondido for two injured Marines with a virtual, dual Community Kickoff event on Saturday, April 10.