Photo courtesy of Bryan Lamb
A group of volunteers braved the recent freezing temperatures to continue renovations on the Speedwell home of Cody Evans, a Marine injured in Afghanistan. Evans' home needs to be handicap accessible and "Team Cody" is determined to have it ready when he returns home. Here, a group works on the back deck.
Evans, 27, is a Speedwell native who was injured in December by an improvised explosive device (IED) in Afghanistan. He is currently being treated for his injuries, which shattered his pelvis and forced the amputation of both legs. He has been fitted with a prosthetic and is still undergoing intense treatment.
Volunteers are determined to make his home accessible by the time he comes home — although the exact time hasn't been determined.
"Team Cody," under the guidance of Tammy Greene and Sherri Taylor-Hoskins, continues to work on renovating his home so life will be easier for him. Volunteers on the project mainly work each weekend, said Taylor-Hoskins. Local contractors, churches and a local Navy Reserve unit are donating their time and supplies to make the home handicap accessible. The volunteers are not only renovating, but also adding on to meet Evans' needs including a new bedroom and bathroom with tub and walk-in shower.
Taylor-Hoskins keeps Cody, his mother Regina, and hundreds of others following Cody's story updated on a Facebook page, "Praying for LCpl Cody Evans with the Marines."
One post from a supporter reads, "Look how far this project has come through the power of prayer, the blessings from God and the generous spirit of fellow Americans."
Donations are still needed, Hoskins said. Not only are the renovations ongoing and costly, but Cody's mother Regina is taking time from work to be with him and is receiving no pay.
"As of right now, Regina has to be with her son for medical reasons," Taylor-Hoskins said.
There's an account set up for donations at First Century Bank, and any branch will accept contributions to the "Cody Evans Fund." Monetary donations are also needed to help with the renovations — anyone is welcome to visit Duncan Lumber in New Tazewell and pay on the account they have set up for Cody. The list of materials needed is updated each day at Duncan Lumber.
Cards, letters and packages can be sent to Regina and/or Cody Evans, c/o Tammy Greene, P.O. Box 3475, Morristown, TN 37815.
If you or your organization want to get involved and help, there's something that anyone can do. From feeding the volunteers on weekends to holding fundraisers or having a benefit ride — anything that will help the effort is greatly appreciated. For further information on how you can help, call 423-869-0604 or 423-254-4634.
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