Rosa Sherwood felt a wave of emotion upon entering her new home. Spotting the modern dishwasher brought her joy. “I’m no longer the dishwasher!” she exclaimed. Her husband Shawn also experienced a turning point by simply placing his pitcher of sweet tea in the refrigerator. “Now it’s my home,” he noted.
The Sherwoods, along with their four daughters, received their new Portage home courtesy of Homes for Heroes. This organization supports veterans and first responders. Shawn, a former petty officer first class in the U.S. Navy, had a pivotal moment when he saw Osama bin Laden’s body being transported. First stationed on the USS Enterprise, he recalls the ship’s command change involving a commander dressed in a uniform from the iconic TV show Star Trek.
In 2011, a rocket attack in Afghanistan caused Shawn permanent injuries. He suffers from bilateral sciatica, traumatic brain injury, PTSD, tinnitus, and hearing loss. Shawn struggles with back issues. “I need to keep moving to avoid pain,” he shared.
During an event on June 25, 2026, the Sherwoods were recognized for receiving their new home thanks to Building Homes for Heroes. Shawn has a service dog named Mac, a blue Doberman. Rosa, who is legally blind, is assisted by Daisy, a German shepherd. The home’s crew thoughtfully left a jar of dog biscuits for the pets.
Homes for Heroes has renovated, modified, and built over 465 homes within two decades. Their goal is to reach 500 by Christmas, said Rusty Smallwood, Director of Construction. Recently, a home was bestowed upon a veteran in Mokena, Illinois.
JP Morgan Chase donated the Sherwood’s house. “Welcome home,” remarked Ernie Shanders, a firm vice president. “Days like today are significant,” Shanders added. “Owning a home contributes to stability and financial health.” The company pledged to donate 1,000 homes to veterans, achieving the milestone last November.
“Receiving a home is an honor,” Shawn expressed before seeing the interior and backyard. Circumstances previously hindered homeownership for them. “Now we’re in our forever home,” he exclaimed. Lowe’s played a key role by donating materials and labor to finalize details.
Sharon Paige, a Lowe’s store manager, knew Shawn as a gentleman from his school days. She assisted with tasks like the mailbox and grill setup. “It’s a joy to see this home ready,” she observed. Shawn was excited about using the new deck, while daughter Gabby, 15, chose her bedroom upstairs.
Before settling, the family stayed in various places, including Grandma’s house. Gabby described her role in the family: “I clean, bake, and I’m the coolest.” Rosa intended to move in promptly. Shawn shared initial disbelief when first viewing the house. “Who gives a house worth up to $300,000?” he questioned.
Contractor George Eizenga mentioned initial concerns about the house’s moldy appearance, which was due to dirt. “Once a place sits unused,” he said, “issues arise.” His daughter described the house as reminiscent of a graveyard before renovations. Kim Crosby, Homes for Heroes Project Manager, helped envision the transformation. Work began in April, racing the clock to completion.
Shawn’s career included serving as a fireman in the Navy, maintaining ship systems. In 2004, he re-enlisted as a builder first class, working in construction. Discharged honorably in 2014, Shawn has become a construction trades teacher at Chesterton High School.
Doug Ross contributed this report.