Corporal Blanchard was part of the 4th Combat Engineer Battalion, 4th Marine Division, in northwest Iraq in 2005. During a patrol, the vehicle Corporal Blanchard and four other Marines were in was hit by an improvised explosive device. Corporal Blanchard was the most severely injured compared to the other Marines in the vehicle, and lost his left leg and sustained severe damage to his right.
Corporal Blanchard's new home will feature more than 40 major special adaptations such as widened doorways for wheelchair access, a roll-in shower, and kitchen amenities that include pull-down shelving and lowered countertops.
CAAR welcomed both Corporal Blanchard and Chris Mitchell, HFOT Deputy Director of Corporate Partnerships and Community Engagement to the June General Membership Meeting, which took place from 9 – 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 2nd, at the UVA Darden School of Business, Abbott Auditorium. Corporal Blanchard and Chris Mitchell spoke about how the $61,175 donation from VAR, which included $2,500 from CAAR, benefitted HFOT’s efforts on a local, state and national level.
During the meeting Corporal Blanchard was presented with an American flag that was flown at the United States Capitol by Scott Leake, Director of Outreach with Congressman Robert Hurt (Va. – 05).
CAAR also welcomed Les Sinclair of Z95.1 to join the meeting. He met members, conducted live on-air interviews, and brought the giant LOVE ball, which signifies community, unity, etc.
“We are grateful to the VAR and the CAAR for their support of our mission to build our nation’s most severely injured Veterans specially adapted homes, which help them in their recovery and rebuilding their lives,” says Mitchell.
“We feel very fortunate and honored to have both Corporal Blanchard and Chris Mitchell speak at our June General Membership Meeting,” said Donna Patton, CAAR President. “The timing of their visit fits perfectly considering we will have just observed Memorial Day. It’s a perfect way to continue the reflection and say thank you to all the men and women who have served our country and kept us safe.”
Left picture (left to right): HFOT Deputy Director of Corporate Partnerships and Community Engagement Chris Mitchell, Corporal Blanchard and Z95.1 DJ Les Sinclair.