Homes for our Troops cookout

Conrad Matt invited Historic City News readers in St Augustine to attend a “Homes for our Troops” cookout on Saturday, September 1st and Sunday September 2nd, at American Legion Post 37; located at 1 Anderson Circle at the west end of the Bridge of Lions.

Donations will be accepted to help fund the construction of a new, specially-adapted home in St Augustine for Marine Gunnery Sergeant John Hayes; the second St Johns County home built for a wounded warrior by the local non-profit organization, “Homes for our Troops”. The first was for Tyler Southern.

Hayes was on his 4th deployment in Sangin, Afghanistan on December 28, 2010, when he suffered life-threatening injuries and lost both of his legs after he stepped on an improvised explosive device.

“Stop by from 11:00 A.M. until 7:00 P.M. each day while we are barbecuing burgers, hot dogs, and brats.” Matt told reporters. “Come out and show your support for our hometown hero.”

The volunteer “Build Brigade” started work on Hayes future home on August 10, on-site at 218 Honey Branch Lane; off CR-208, approximately 6.5 miles west of I-95 in St Augustine, according to Community Outreach Coordinator Doreen Lewis.