Military family receives house just in time for holidays

Published Dec. 21, 2011
By Airman 1st Class Dennis L. Sloan
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs Office

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Amanda Clegg, spouse of deployed Master Sgt. Brian Clegg and mother of four children, was greeted by a crowd of JB MDL leaders as she moved into her new home on base here Dec. 21.

The Clegg family was not expecting to move into their home on Falcon Courts North until next year, but United Communities finished its last homes a year early.

"We really pulled together to make sure we finished these homes before the holiday so families such as the Clegg's could enjoy the holidays in comfort," said Kristy Oliver, United Communities information coordinator. "I was a military spouse for 10 years so I understand what Amanda goes through with her husband being deployed."

This was not the only surprise Amanda and her children received. United Communities leaders made sure there was a Christmas tree with one present underneath it for each family member, as well as a Christmas dinner.

"The children were devastated when we had to take down the Christmas tree at our old place, so having one here is amazing - probably my favorite thing," said Amanda. "I am also excited about not having to cook dinner on Christmas."

The home was not any ordinary home, but a handicap-accessible one made specifically for Amanda's youngest child, Colton, who is 9 and a paraplegic. A construction crew worked through the night to turn a gutted bathroom into a fully-finished handicap-accessible bathroom for Colton and the family.

"We started this project a long time ago and it feels great to finally complete it and hand a home over to such a deserving family," said Matt Garron, United Communities maintenance supervisor. "I love the fact that we finished the home just in time for the holidays and made this one specifically-special for Colton."

Amanda described how important it is for Colton to have the handicap-accessible bathroom, not only for his physical health but for his mental health, too.

"It's humiliating for a child to have to have his or her mom help with using the bathroom, so I feel this will really give Colton a sense of independence and a boost to his confidence," said Amanda. "This truly is a blessing and I am so thankful for everyone who has helped us."

Amanda went around the room hugging and thanking all those who made this a reality.

"Having a home with a Christmas tree and everything I could ever think of takes a lot of strain off my husband and me while he is deployed," said Amanda.

Air Force Col. John Wood, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst commander, and 87th ABW as well as both JB MDL deputy commanders, Army Col. Joseph Whitlock and Navy Capt. Andrew Butterfield, were on hand to view the home and present the Clegg family with presents and a Christmas tree.

"It's a blessing to have a home for the holidays and we are thankful for the wonderful support United Communities has provided to this family," said Wood.