Jul 10, 2023

Spence Brothers Helps Build Home for Local Wounded Warrior

On Thursday, June 29th, we had the privilege of participating in a Key Ceremony where we presented SPC Bobby Body and his family with a mortgage-free home in Harrisville, MI. The new home was designed to accommodate Body’s specific injury needs, and over 60 people were there to welcome him and his family. After heartwarming speeches, tears, and laughter, Body and his family cut the ribbon and explored their new home’s interior.

Bob Spence, Northern MI Regional President, congratulates Bobby on new home.

Jared Allen’s Homes for Wounded Warriors led the project. They are a non-profit organization that raises funds to build or remodel homes for injured U.S. Military Veterans to improve their quality of life.

SPC Bobby Body, U.S. Army Veteran, was injured during his 2006 tour of Iraq, resulting in an above-the-knee amputation of his left leg. With the help of his wife Erin and his children, Bobby continues to fight and make incredible strides. He is now a peer support specialist for other veterans and amputees, a powerlifter, and a U.S. Paralympic National Team member, ranked number five worldwide. He will be representing Team USA at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

Bobby Body and Alex Karalexis (Executive Director of Jared Allen’s Homes for Wounded Warriors) FaceTime with founder Jared Allen in the home gym.

The home, designed by Cornerstone Architects and constructed by Spence Brothers, was built with all necessary ADA-compliant features to improve Bobby’s daily life in terms of convenience and safety. The four-bedroom, two-bathroom, and two-car garage home is entirely accessible for Bobby, whether walking or using his wheelchair. It includes unique features such as a roll-in shower with a built-in bench, lowered surfaces and switches, and a wrap-around concrete patio and sidewalk. The home also has clear floor spaces throughout to ensure Bobby can navigate his wheelchair safely. Moreover, an entirely accessible home gym was included so he could continue his passion for powerlifting.

We express our gratitude to all the partners, subcontractors, and unions who contributed to the construction of this beautiful home. We hope the Body family will cherish and enjoy it for many years to come.

  • Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights
  • Operating Engineers 324
  • Spence Brothers
  • AFP Specialties
  • Alcona Septic Systems
  • Alpena Supply Company
  • Building Express
  • Belden Brick & Supply
  • E. Goodrich Trucking & Asphalt
  • Elliot Environmental
  • FTB Contracting
  • Hymmco
  • John’s Electric
  • Johnson & Wood, LLC
  • L and S Transit Mix
  • MasterCraft Floors
  • McCardel Culligan of Alpena
  • M&M Excavating
  • Northeastern Window & Door
  • Cross Enterprises, Inc.
  • MKD Kitchen & Bath
  • Murray Painting Company
  • Harris Rebar
  • Overhead Door Co of Alpena
  • Pure Water Well, Inc.
  • Source Julien
  • Traverse City Glass