A special ground breaking ceremony took place this month in Loomis, California to officially kick-start the construction of a new home for CPL Joshua Hotaling, sponsored by Homes for our Troops (HFOT). Cpl. Hotaling, a mine sweeper, was working to clear a compound for his battalion during his first deployment to Afghanistan on May 13, 2011, when he suffered the traumatic amputations of both of his legs and severe hand injuries in an IED blast.

Working with materials supplied by Armstrong, the exclusive flooring partner for HFOT, retailer Gold River Flooring will provide the flooring labor and installation for the new home. Meridith Krekelberg, Gold River Flooring America owner said, “We are proud to contribute to this most commendable goal of providing veterans and their families with home ownership, and we encourage the public to support a vital, invaluable project that helps our military rebuild their lives.” Gold River Flooring America serves the communities of Rancho Cordova and Rocklin, California.

Tanya Evangelista, Armstrong Field Service Representative also was onsite. The proceeds from the company’s American Scrape™ Hardwood collection fund the product donation to the 30+ builds annually. In addition, Armstrong’s Alterna LVT also is installed in every build.

For additional information, visit http://www.hfotusa.org/hotaling#project_updates/ or www.armstrong.com.

Pictured (L-R): Tanya Evangelista (Armstrong), Jeff Krekelberg (Gold River Carpet One) Cpl Joshua Hotaling, Meridith Krekelberg (Gold River Carpet One), Blake Krekelberg