Vietnam vet is first recipient of housing accessibility program
Gen. Wesley Clark announces Project H.E.R.O.

Gen. Wesley Clark (ret.), Chairman of Project H.E.R.O., launched a new program to improve the quality of life for veterans with disabilities. The Ohio home of Vietnam veteran Shelby Bowling is the pilot site for a new International Code Council Foundation (ICCF) program. Project H.E.R.O.-Homes Eliminated of Restrictions and Obstacles-brings together building officials, architects, engineers, businesses and other volunteers to help make the homes of veterans with disabilities accessible. ICCF is organizing state coordinators to mirror the pilot program across the country.

"Many injured veterans own homes that are not accessible to someone with a disability," said Clark. "For a disabled veteran, the key to attaining independence may be an extensive, often expensive, home remodeling project. Unfortunately, some of our nation's veterans cannot afford to make these necessary modifications. That's where Project H.E.R.O. and its volunteers can help."

Bowling, an Air Force veteran, has diabetes and must use a motorized scooter to maneuver through his home. His house does not have an accessible entrance and his bedroom and bathroom are on the second floor-limiting his ability to access 50 percent of his home. The Project H.E.R.O. plans for Mr. Bowling's home include an addition with an accessible entrance, a bedroom and bathroom.

"I'm very thankful for what they are doing for me," said Bowling. "It has kept me from having to make an immediate decision about how to continue to fight my stairway. I still think it's kind of unbelievable they have selected me for this. I'm just very, very grateful."

Project H.E.R.O. Chairman Gen. Clark is one of the nation's most distinguished retired military officers. During his 33 years of service in the United States Army, he held numerous staff and command positions and rose to the rank of four-star general and NATO Supreme Allied Commander.

ICCF is dedicated to changing the devastating effects of natural disasters and other building tragedies by promoting ideas, methods and technologies that encourage the construction of durable, sustainable buildings and homes. It is a subsidiary of the International Code Council, an organization that develops the most widely adopted building codes in the nation.