House Republican Press Release

March 14, 2006

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. Hamzy: Contributions Sought to Build Homes for Two Severely Disabled CT Marines

State Representative William A. Hamzy, R-78^th District, today urged Bristol and Plymouth residents to contribute to a fund to help pay for construction of handicapped-accessible housing for two U.S. Marines from Connecticut who were severely injured in the Iraq War.

One of the Marines, Corporal Brian Johnston, 23, of East Hartford, was wounded by enemy fire in Fallujah on November 8, 2004. The injuries he sustained resulted in the amputation of his right arm at the shoulder and his right leg above the knee, Representative Hamzy said.

Sergeant Jared Luce, 28, of Coventry, lost two legs in a roadside explosion on Feb 9, 2005 on the road to the city of Hit, about two weeks after he arrived in Iraq, Representative Hamzy said.

Both Cpl Johnston and Sgt Luce received surgical treatment at the National Naval Medical Center at Bethesda, Md., and prosthetic care and other therapies at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

More information about Cpl Johnston is available at his website: www.savingcpljohnston.com

Sgt Luce purchased a lot in Coventry where he hopes to construct his home.

The federal government will pay a portion of the construction costs to accommodate his home to his disabilities.

“Homes for Our Troops,” an organization that builds housing for severely disabled veterans, is seeking donations to help pay for homes they will build for veterans such as Sgt Luce.

When contributors send checks they should state on the check and accompanying letter that the donation is designated for the Connecticut Project, which is helping to pay for homes for maimed veterans in Connecticut, including Sgt Luce. Tax-deductible contributions should be sent to: Homes for Our Troops, 1 Taunton Green, Taunton, MA, 02780.

For more information about Homes for Our Troops, visit their website at www.homesforourtroops.org; call Kurt Rebello at 1-866-787-6677; e-mail the group’s accountant at tombenoit@homesforourtroops.org; or call Homes for Our Troops at 508-823-3300.

Cpl Johnston has set up his own fund. When he has raised enough money, Homes for Our Troops will build a home for him as well. Residents interested in helping Cpl Johnston build his handicapped-accessible home should make out checks to “Saving Cpl Johnston” and mail them to: Saving Cpl Johnston, 43 Ellington Avenue, Ellington, CT 06029-4128.