Robert Markel, CGR: Thank you HBA members for bringing happiness to a Wounded Warrior

by Robert Markel, CGR, President, HBA of Greenville

By now I hope you have read or heard about your HBA of Greenville's latest community service project and contribution to our community. Earlier this month your HBA of Greenville and many of our members unveiled a brand new kitchen for a retired U.S. Marine who was wounded in Iraq.

In September of 2006, Marine Sgt. Michael Batton was deployed to Ramadi, Iraq, where he served as a headquarters platoon sergeant. During a mortar attack in December of that year, Batton sustained a traumatic brain injury. Sgt. Batton now lives in Mauldin with his family. Their home is comfortable, but their kitchen was not.

A team of HBA members led by Dillard-Jones Renovations LLC gutted the kitchen and replaced it with a more open, functional plan with a tile floor, granite countertops, ample cabinets, stainless steel appliances and recessed lighting. Dillard-Jones Renovations provided design and renovation services and HBA member companies donated products and services to make the $60,000 project possible.

I would like to thank these member companies for their support and contributions to this outstanding project to a truly deserving family: The Cook's Station, GBS Building Supply, Old Castle Surfaces, Builders First Source, Progress Lighting, Sherwin Williams, Greer Flooring Center, and Gateway Supply Company. Please join me in thanking this exceptional team for their efforts.

Robert Markel, CGR, President