Community, businesses come together to build accessible home for Idaho veteran
Retired Staff Sgt. Sean Sexton, who served nine years in the Air Force and deployed twice in the global war on terrorism, stood on the packed dirt of the Heritage Heights community lot Monday and reflected on the moment.
“Days like this are why I am thankful,” Sexton said. “I honestly don’t feel worthy of it all.”
Builders, engineers and supporters gathered around him for a ceremony made possible by the nonprofit Helping A Hero, Bass Pro Shops, and national home builder Lennar. The organizations are constructing the home through the Helping a Hero Home Program, which partners injured veterans with builders and communities to provide specially adapted houses designed around each veteran’s needs.
Sexton was injured while carrying approximately 250 pounds of equipment at an undisclosed location in the Middle East. The injuries led to a degenerative nerve condition that eventually required the amputation of his right leg. He medically separated from the Air Force in 2017 and moved to Meridian.
His current home, he said, limits what he can do and who he can welcome.
“There’s different things that are just not possible where I’m at currently,” Sexton said. “I have a lot of friends who are in wheelchairs, so they can’t come have a barbecue at my house.”
The new home will feature widened doorframes, roll-in showers and grab bars — modifications that Aaron Bechtol, construction vice president and veteran liaison for Helping a Hero, said go beyond comfort.
“As somebody who is fully able-bodied, we take the size of a door frame, the shape of a shower for granted,” Bechtol told the Statesman. “These grab bars and other assistive fixtures help restore dignity and peace of mind where they can feel like people again.”
Bechtol, himself a nine-year Navy veteran, said Sexton’s home will be the 48th built under the 100 Homes Challenge, an initiative to provide qualifying veterans and their families with adapted housing. The outdoor retail giant Bass Pro Shops has pledged 25% of the cost of all the homes built in the challenge.
Since leaving the military, Sexton has found purpose as operations director for the Idaho Sled Hockey Team, where he competes alongside fellow wounded veterans.
Sexton said he struggled with mental health while readjusting to life after service.
“Luckily, I found sled hockey, and it was that first spark that helped me realize I’m still useful,” he said.
Jeff Clemens, Lennar’s Boise division president, said the project reflects what the company sees as a core obligation.
“At Lennar, we’re proud to help build the American Dream — but it’s men and women like Staff Sgt. Sexton whose sacrifice truly protects it for all of us,” Clemens said. “Our Boise team is committed to helping our community’s wounded warriors live lives of independence and dignity.”
Construction on the home is expected to be completed this fall.