May 9th was an incredibly special day at Tradition. Mattamy once again participated in Helping a Hero’s mission to empower severely wounded military personnel – this time, by building a new home in the Kenley neighborhood for Corporal Sue Crutchfield – a veteran and double amputee – and her family.

The groundbreaking kicked off with a heartfelt morning ceremony attended by CPL. Crutchfield, city officials, and students from Tradition Preparatory High School, who performed the national anthem. With the build now underway, we plan to officially welcome CPL. Crutchfield and her family to their new Port St. Lucie home in September. The home will feature four bedrooms and three bathrooms and will be modified to fit CPL. Crutchfield and her family’s needs.

“It is truly an honor to partner with Helping a Hero and build a home for a veteran who has given so much to this country,” said Dan Grosswald, Mattamy’s Southeast Florida Division President. “We know the residents of Kenley, and Tradition as a whole, will give CPL. Crutchfield and her family a warm welcome.”

CPL. Crutchfield’s story is one of true courage, sacrifice, strength, resilience … and hope.

Originally from Knoxville, Tenn., CPL. Crutchfield enlisted as an Army police officer in December of 2004. After basic training, she was stationed in Germany and deployed to Afghanistan in early 2006. That November, CPL. Crutchfield’s unit was en route for an overnight mission when their Humvee was struck by five landmines powered by a Rocket Propelled Grenade – all as the enemy fired shots in their direction. CPL. Crutchfield’s fellow soldiers were both killed and, after she was shot in the left hip, the blast took off both of her legs below the knee, lacerated organs, and caused a traumatic brain injury.

With all Medevac helicopters grounded, Crutchfield had to endure an eight-hour Humvee transport over rough terrain to Bagram Air Force Base. She was taken to Germany and then transferred to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where she underwent dozens of surgeries. Crutchfield received her first pair of prosthetics in March of 2007.

After two years of surgeries and rehabilitation – which included re-learning how to walk, talk, feed herself, and gain her strength as a mother – CPL. Crutchfield and her two children moved back to Knoxville to be with family. There, she raised both children, who are now 23 and 25, and eventually moved to Cypress, Texas with her new husband and college-age son.

CPL. Crutchfield has been awarded a Bronze Star, as well as three Purple Hearts, Army Achievement Medal (AAM), Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM), Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Over Seas Service Ribbon, and Combat Action Badge.

“Corporal Crutchfield is an incredibly strong and determined woman. She faces daily challenges just getting around, but she never lets that stop her,” said Meredith Iler, Founder and National Chair, Helping a Hero Home Program. “She is a true hero who deserves the freedom of an adapted home and a supportive community that can meet her medical and prosthetic needs. We are confident that Mattamy Homes and the Tradition community will provide her a future where she truly thrives.”

Founded in 2006, Helping a Hero is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, non-partisan organization that provides support for military personnel severely injured in the Global war on terror. Its principal activity is to provide specially adapted homes for qualifying service members through partnerships made with the builders, developers, communities, and the veteran.

To learn more about Helping a Hero, visit HelpingAHero.org. For more information about Mattamy Homes, visit MattamyHomes.com.