MARIETTA - The efforts to build a log cabin for soldier Kyle Hockenberry, a triple amputee injured in Afghanistan on June 15, 2011, received a huge boost Thursday.
During a press conference at Marietta City Hall, Bill Hutchinson, business manager for the Parkersburg/Marietta Building Trades Association, announced association members from numerous trades will assist in building Hockenberry's house.
"Everybody felt that this would be a great project to try to help this young man," said Hutchinson. "He has sacrificed so much for us and the community."
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Photo by Sharon Bopp
Chris Kuban of Tunnel to Towers Foundation discusses plans for U.S. Spc. Kyle Hockenberry’s smart home with guests attending Thursday’s press conference in Marietta announcing donations to the home’s construction.
It was estimated the donation of labor by the building trade association will cut in half the projected $350,000 to $400,000 cost of Hockenberry's house. The house will be a "smart" home, built with technology to help Hockenberry, who lost both legs and an arm.
In addition, Barbara Titus, vice president of Sheoga Hardwood Floors in Middlefield, Ohio, announced the company will donate all the solid hardwood flooring in the Hockenberry home.
"Kyle will be an active participant in the process of picking out the types of floors he wants," Titus noted.
Fact Box
If You Go
What: The Lt. Dan Band, featuring actor Gary Sinise and a variety of fun cover tunes
Where: Marietta College's Dyson Baudo Recreation Center
When: Aug. 16 at 7 p.m.
Price: $35-$75
Tickets: Online at www.supportkyle.com, Peoples News locations, The Sound Exchange
To contribute items for Kyle Hockenberry's house: www.buildingforamericasbravest.org
Titus and her husband were visiting the area when they read about Hockenberry.
"When we saw this young man from Ohio, we wanted to get involved as soon as we saw the story," she said.
In other news, Chris Kuban, director of media relations for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, said Hockenberry will attend the fundraising concert in his honor that will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Dyson Baudo Recreation Center at Marietta College.
"He will be escorted by several hundred motorcycle riders," said Kuban.
For concert tickets, go to www.supportkyle.com. Tickets also are available at the Peoples News locations and the Record Exchange in West Virginia.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation is asking for donations of building materials to help in the home's construction, Kuban said. If interested in donating, contact him at 314-603-2866.
