LCDR John Pucillo

Ashland, MA

In 1991, John Pucillo enlisted in the Navy after high school with a desire to travel the world.

On May 19, 2006, Lieutenant Pucillo was on his first combat deployment in Iraq with the 3rd Ordnance Battalion, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 8, when his vehicle hit an improvised explosive device (IED). He sustained severe injuries resulting in the loss of his left leg above the knee, injuries to his right leg, tinnitus, and traumatic brain injury (TBI).

After his recovery at Walter Reed Medical Center, John remained on active duty for twelve years before he retired in 2018 as a Lieutenant Commander. He’s a proud father to two daughters, Rachelle and Luna. He enjoys scuba diving, and traveling, and currently manages an amputee soccer team. His current house is not wheelchair accessible, with split-level floors that are difficult for him to navigate and stairways that prohibit him from fully utilizing his house.

A specially adapted custom home from Homes For Our Troops will restore John’s independence and alleviate his concerns about being a burden to his daughters as he ages. The open floor plan and wheelchair-accessible rooms will allow him to rest and recover in his wheelchair. The mortgage-free home will also provide the opportunity for him to pay it forward by volunteering for Veteran-based programs.

John is choosing to build in his home state of Massachusetts to be near his family.

John would like HFOT donors and supporters to know he is thankful for their support. “It is comforting that my fellow Americans helped make this home a reality—I thank every one of you. Without your support and dedication, my life, and the lives of other injured Veterans, would be harder and less fulfilling.”

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