LITTLE BOSTON — Army Staff Sgt. Samuel Shockley was on a dismounted route-clearance mission in Panjwai, Afghanistan with the 38th Engineering Company, March 17, 2013, when he triggered an improvised explosive device.
He recalls looking at where his legs should have been, and they were gone.
The blast resulted in the loss of both legs above the knee, the amputation of part of his middle and ring fingers, and a broken wrist.
Despite his injuries, Shockley — described as a naturally vibrant person — saw his survival as a second chance at life. A specially adapted home, built by Homes for Our Troops, will help Shockley and his wife, Emely, build a new life.
Originally from Ohio, Shockley is choosing to live in Washington, and he and his wife, Emely, say their specially adapted home will be life-changing. In their current home, Emely worries about leaving him alone in case he needs assistance. In their new home, Shockley says he will benefit greatly from shorter cabinets, wider doorways and hallways, and a roll-in shower.
The Shockleys are now looking forward to adopting children and animals, and are thankful they will have a home with a big yard in which they can play. Shockley hopes to earn a degree in business management; Emely is an X-ray technician.
“By giving us this home you are giving us more hope and strength that life is not over when you lose so much,” said Shockley, who is now a member of Homes for Our Troops’ Veteran Action and Advisory Team. “I want to thank everyone for everything they stand for and not forgetting about us.”
The staff of The Point Casino and Event Center hopes to help provide more life-changing experiences for injured veterans. On Dec. 15, The Point presented a check for $85,000 to Homes for Our Troops, a non-profit dedicated to building mortgage-free, specially adapted homes for injured veterans. Shockley received the check on behalf of Homes for Our Troops.
For the last several years, The Point has chosen an annual charitable partner. This year, The Point raised $85,000, nearly $30,000 more than in previous years. The money was raised through a summer golf tournament, an Autumn Harvest Charity Dinner, employee contributions, and donation bins for guests.
