In Memoriam

SPC ALEX KNAPP

Macomb, MI

Mission Accomplished on Dec. 19,  2009

On October 2, 2010, we lost a true hero and friend in Army Specialist Alex Knapp. Alex was a member of the Homes For Our Troops family of Veterans that received a specially adapted home in Michigan. We came to know Alex after he was injured in Iraq. He earned the designation of “hero” on the day he was injured not for his injuries, but for his actions.

After his convoy was hit by an IED, Alex was trapped in the vehicle he was riding in, after being extracted from the vehicle and in dire condition; Alex tried to refuse medical help before other members of his squad were treated. Even then, he was a selfless hero that put the needs of others before his own.

Alex was an unassuming person with a great big smile and wonderful sense of humor. He and his mom Jeanette were enthusiastic advocates for Homes For Our Troops and continued to help other injured veterans by helping raise awareness to the mission. Alex touched all of our lives and we will be forever grateful for his service, sacrifice, and friendship.

About Alex: Army SPC David (Alex) Knapp was on his final mission in Iraq before going on leave when he lost both legs in an IED explosion on March 14, 2008. The convoy he was riding in was hit with an IED injuring soldiers and trapping SPC Knapp in the vehicle. After being removed from the truck by his squad, Alex was triaged for medevac and tried to refuse treatment when he learned his Team Leader was also severely injured.

After arriving at the Casualty Extraction Point, he fell unconscious and awoke nine days later to find himself at Walter Reed, not knowing he had arrived there via Landstuhl, Germany.  He enjoyed mono-skiing, sled hockey and wheelchair basketball.