Severely Injured Veteran Calls New Home a Blessing
Shot five times while serving in Afghanistan, Army Specialist Rob Kislow eventually lost his right leg, and spent two and a half years in recovery. This weekend Kislow gets the keys to his new, specially-adapted home in Northampton County. It was constructed through generous community support and the efforts of a non-profit group called Homes for Our Troops. “It’s a way to really give a true welcome home to somebody who’s sacrificed quite a bit for our country,” says Homes for Our Troops Founder and President John Gonsalves.
Living in a home that wasn’t built for a wheelchair Kislow struggled daily with his mobility, but the difficulties didn’t end there. “My hand was pretty much shot off through the wrist and you can’t use regular doorknobs anymore,” Kislow explains. “It’s a simple, everyday task that you would never think of in a million years that is nearly impossible for me to do.”
Kislow’s new home is designed to remove all barriers to his independence. It has wide doorways, roll-in showers, roll-under cooktops and even specially adapted doorknobs. “Probably about 50% of all the labor and material for the home were donated locally,” Gonsalves says.
It’s a way to show an American soldier that we appreciate his sacrifice, and the gratitude goes both ways. “Not only will this benefit me, but it will benefit my family, so it’s a lot, it really is a lot to be thankful for,” Kislow tells Radio PA.
He was injured fighting for our freedom, and Homes for Our Troops wants to give SPC Rob Kislow his freedom and independence back. The entire community of Danielsville, PA will welcome Rob and his family to their new home on Saturday.
