Cpl. Andrew Johnson with his wife Heather, Sen. Ayotte, Mayor Lozeau and Brian Hooper
Salem, NH – Building Dreams for Marines, recently completed its third renovation project. The organization is mission based and nonprofit with the sole purpose of providing no-cost planning, designing and building services to make a marine’s “home-life” more comfortable and accessible. Brian Hooper, vice president of Salem based MSI Mechanical Systems Inc . is cofounder of Building Dreams for Marines.
After media coverage of the renovation project was completed at the home of Cpl. Andrew Johnson in Nashua, an anonymous donation of a chair lift was made.
“We rely heavily on word of mouth and news coverage of our projects,” said Hooper. “When we completed this project there was just one remaining item that Cpl. Johnson needed and that was a chair lift to enable him to get to the second floor of his home. It’s absolutely amazing that someone came forward and not only donated the chair lift, but also managed the installation. This person asked that they remain anonymous and we are honoring this request, but we couldn’t be more thankful for the outpouring of support. Building Dreams for Marines is a volunteer based organization. Without the help of our dedicated volunteers and supporters, renovations just wouldn’t be happening for these Marines who are returning home wounded from tour of duty. We need to continue to spread the word about Building Dreams for Marines. More New Hampshire Marines need to know this organization is exists, and is here to help.”
According to Hooper, to help Cpl. Johnson live more comfortably in his home, the renovation project focused on the master bathroom, adding in a walk-in shower, grab bars and other accessibility fixtures to make it easier for him to navigate his daily routines. Cpl. Johnson was wounded during a tour of duty in Afghanistan.
Attending the ribbon cutting ceremony at Cpl. Johnson’s home in Nashua was N.H. Senator Kelly Ayotte, Nashua Mayor Donnalee Lozeau and Gary Lambert (Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve).
