Smyrna welcomed some of its newest residents as SPC Chuck Fuller and his wife, Ines, walked though what will be their new home on Linnwood Drive and met with neighbors and new friends at a cookout at the Smyrna American Legion in April.
The Fullers got to make choices about the finishes for their home and to see the community that they will be moving into. A dedication for the new home is planned for late May with music, dignitaries and the Patriot Guard.
King Springs Elementary School Beta Club raised $600 for appliance for the new home and will spread pinestraw being donated by one of the parents at the house when it is time to landscape.
The welcome party hosted by American Legion Smyrna Post 160 drew some 175 people to welcome them. They were also greeted by Mayor Max Bacon and Councilman Ron Fennel. Northwest Exterminating provided food for everyone, Chick-fil-A provided drinks and Bountiful Basket and Shane’s BBQ provided deserts.
The house is being built by Operation: Soldier At Ease through donations from the community. Donations can be made through gofundme.com: Soldier At Ease/S84wtc.
Carol Rice of Operation Soldier at Ease said, “Patriotism is alive and well in Smyrna. Respect for the sacrifices of our servicemen and women is huge. We are honored to have the opportunity to help this one family in this unique way with their home but our mission continues as we do what we can to help reduce the number of broken families and broken hearts.”
“Some 50 different small businesses and tradespeople have either donated money, materials or labor to make this house a reality,” she said. “The Atlanta Braves donated 85 loads of dirt that they brought to our site to make sure that the ground is level so our soldier can walk outside without fear of hills and holes.”
The project is supported by Lockheed Martin Marietta, Harley Davidson, the Atlanta Braves, Marriott Hotels, Northwest Exterminating and more.
In Photo: Karen Walker, Carol Rice, and Legion Commander Harold Watkins welcome Ines and Chuck Fuller.
From the May 2015 issue of The Bright Side, Cobb County Georgia’s Newspaper covering Smyrna, Vinings, Mableton and Austell, GA.
