1-800-PACK-RAT is proud to support the Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) organization by donating portable storage containers used during the building of their homes. HFOT is a non-profit organization that builds and donates specially adapted custom homes for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans, to enable them to rebuild their lives. These homes are specially designed to help these Veterans with the injuries they sustained while serving their country overseas. Today, we want to highlight Army Sergeant Robert “Finn” Visbal.
After he graduated from high school, SGT Visbal went to enlist with the Army right away. He joined the Army as a tanker, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, who was a tanker in the Army as well. SGT Visbal was deployed to Iraq once in 2008, and in 2011 was sent to Afghanistan. There, he join A Company, 1-5 Infantry, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division as a gunner.
On December 4, 2011, SGT Visbal’s unit was completing a mission to clear abandoned compounds and build roads when his vehicle drove over an improvised explosive device (IED). SGT Visbal sustained significant damage to his left leg as well as his right foot in the explosion. SGT Visbal underwent numerous surgeries and months of physical therapy, and eventually had to have his left leg amputated below the knee.
SGT Visbal, after a medical retirement from the Army, earned a degree in automotive technology at Chattahoochee Community College in July 2018 and underwent a one-year long welding program. SGT Visbal also married his wife Holly in August 2016, and welcomed their first child to their family in January 2017.
He chose to have his HFOT home built in Cartersville, GA so that he could be close to family. Thanks to the specially adapted custom home he received, SGT Visbal has space, comfort, and freedom to focus on his recovery efforts. He is able to use his wheelchair more around the home, and doesn’t have to climb stairs, making parenting much easier for him. SGT Visbal also utilizes their home’s garage, so he has time and space for his favorite hobby - working on cars.
SGT Visbal is extremely grateful for HFOT and its supporters for making it possible for him to receive this new home. “The greatest benefit I have received from this home is that I can be a better husband and father,” he said. “Since I don’t have to worry about the stairs anymore it’s easier for me to help around the house. I can access my son’s room now, and can play with him and all of his toys. Thank you for helping me find more freedom and independence.”
1-800-PACK-RAT donated portable storage containers to help with on-site storage at the home build site. The all-steel, weatherproof, secure containers were able to keep building supplies, appliances and other donations from other companies safe while the home was built, saving both time and money.
SGT Robert Visbal is one of the many Veterans that 1-800-PACK-RAT has assisted with container donations. Learn more about his inspirational story here. If you would like to learn more about how you can donate or assist HFOT in their efforts, visit their website at www.hfotusa.org.