Getting into the swing to Bring Cpl. Himan home

WOODBRIDGE, Va. - From the pounding framing hammers of Jabs Construction carpenters to the large hydraulic boom of Rent-A-Crane of Lorton, local volunteers, skilled laborers, equipment operators, and supervisors all swung into action Feb. 18 to set the roof trusses on the construction project that will bring Marine Cpl. Josh Himan home to his parent’s house in Woodbridge.

In September of 2009, the then lance corporal was severely injured while fighting in Afghanistan when an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast destroyed his humvee. Much like his road to recovery, with its many twists and turns, Himan has made progress that fits his extraordinary character. His extensive rehabilitation at the VA Medical Center in Richmond, Bethesda Naval Hospital, and now Walter Reed Medical Center and the Fisher House, is scheduled to end in March. 

But before he can be released to continue to rebuild his life, he needs a safe, secure, and accessible place to again call home. On New Year's Eve, The Northern Virginia Fuller Center for Housing made a commitment to the Himan family to build a suitable addition onto the family's home. 

To build a major structure from concept to dedication in under 90 days in an incredible feat, said Fuller Center President Jacob Koch.

“There are so many people to thank on this that it is hard to know where to start and not leave out a key player,” said Koch. “However, I can not say enough to thank Rod Caulkin, our pro bono general contractor who has worked with no limits to make this happen.

“Our architect, Ann Null, has been with us at each turn, ensuring that the addition to the family’s home will serve its purpose well. Our site supervisor, Jim Munday, has been on site every day since we broke ground. And, of course, we have had great donations of professional labor and equipment from various trades as well as volunteers from the local community and Marines.”

Coming through the construction with such a compressed schedule is not without its own challenges. 

“Cole’s District Supervisor Marty Nohe was the first of the local government people to commit to assist us and make this happen,” said Koch. “His leadership in this has been key to keeping the project moving. The entire county inspections department has been willing to work with us. They are in the project just as much as we are. We can not thank them enough for their willingness to ensure we meet our deadline.”

With the workers strapping on another truss on the crane, Robert Lang, a volunteer coordinator for The Fuller Center and director of crane operations on Feb. 18, also noted how good things come together only through the hard work of many people. 

"Thanks to the engineers, salespeople, and workers at Apex Truss in Warsaw, Va . , who worked Thursday night, the trusses left their shop at 8:30 in the morning, to be here before 10:30, and the crane arrived three minutes later." 

If you have any questions about the project, contact The Fuller Center at 571-225-6383.
To volunteer time that will also make a lasting difference for the Himan family and the local community, contact Robert Lang at 703-221-7065 or send an email to volunteers@novafullercenter.org.

The Himans will also be the beneficiaries of the News & Messenger’s Hoops Fest 16, scheduled for March 18 at C.D. Hylton High School. In the event,  the best high school boys and girls basketball players in the county compete in a series of skills competitions to earn the title of No. 1 in their respective category. The competition starts at 7 p.m. with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $10.