Community continues to be inspired by local war veteran
Boy Scout Troop 637 presented retired Corporal Nick Orchowski with the flag that now flies over his specially-adapted home in Parker. The ceremony was inspirational for all who attended.
By Amy Shanahan, photo courtesy of Lisa Bartmann
In December of 2011, The Castle Pines Connection ran a cover story featuring the work of the organization Homes for Our Troops. The story highlighted the local community’s involvement in raising money for the build of a specially-adapted home for retired Corporal Nick Orchowski and his family. Orchowski recently received the keys to his new home in Parker, and many in the Castle Pines community participated in the ceremony.
Orchowski was on his first deployment in Baghdad, Iraq in 2004 when he was thrown from a vehicle that was hit during an insurgent’s attack. Orchowski was left an incomplete quadriplegic, and he moves with the aid of braces on his legs and right wrist. Homes for Our Troops, a non-profit organization that builds specially-adapted homes for post 9/11 veterans, stepped in to provide a home for Orchowski.
Local schools including Rock Canyon High School, Rocky Heights Middle School, Timber Trail Elementary, and Buffalo Ridge Elementary all participated in raising money to build this special home. Additionally, many families involved themselves in the actual build, and the community has continued to be inspired by Orchowski and many of the other disabled veterans who are receiving homes from Homes for Our Troops.
On November 17, a special ceremony was held to honor Orchowski with the keys to his new home. Local Boy Scout Troop 637 was proud to participate in the flag ceremony during the event.
Troop member and Castle Pines resident Andi Bartman remarked, “I felt like the participation by my troop was definitely unique. We were able to salute Corporal Orchowski for his service to our country and present him with a flag to fly over his new home.” He continued, “I think the best part of the day was being able to see Corporal Orchowski raise the flag as a proud veteran returning home.” Thirteen-year-old Castle Pines Village resident Amelia Salsbury sang “America the Beautiful” during the flag ceremony. “I was very happy to be asked to sing, it was an honor,” she said.
To learn more about Homes for Our Troops, visit www.homesforourtroops.org.
