Somers couple seeks help in building house for injured veteran

A set of concerned parents in Somers is seeking help from the community to provide housing for a veteran of the Iraq War and his family.

Ann and OT Green's son-in-law, Kevin White, who served as a sergeant in the 82nd Airborne of the U.S. Army, was injured by a rocket-propelled grenade during his second tour of duty in Iraq on April 12, 2007. The injury resulted in traumatic brain injury, from which he suffers severe headaches as well as vision and hearing loss. It also tore a hole in his shoulder, resulting in partial loss of the use of one arm and nerve damage in the other.

Ann Green said Kevin is unable to work or attend school from his injuries but is still waiting on the results of his disability claims. OT also served in the Army, so he's been working to help Kevin go through the system to get 100 percent disability, but it takes time. In the meantime, it becomes challenging for him, along with his wife Juliane, to pay the rent.

"It's so rough right now," Ann Green said. "We figured we'd do what we can to help. Kevin is really down in the dumps knowing he can't provide for his family. We consider him an adopted son."

This has become more challenging since Kevin and Juliane are also preparing for their first child due this winter. Juliane, Ann and OT's daughter, is not able to work either. A car accident when she was 18 left her with a broken back that hasn't healed properly, meaning she's dealing with pain regularly and that has made her pregnancy challenging as well, Ann said.

"We're trying to help them out," she said. "They can't make it."

Ann and OT have had property in Somers since the late 1990s, but moved there officially full time when Ann retired in 2007. The Greens already own the land for the home. It's just a matter of having the funds to built it. The two, who are retired, are on a fixed income, but plan to put their own money toward the building. Ann Green works part time at Flathead Bank for a little extra income. If they can, they'll try to get started on the foundation of the house before winter and go as far as their funds will take them. Green said local businesses have offered to help through price cuts, including Sliters Ace Hardware.

Ann said she finds it challenging to ask for support, but that they'd appreciate any help people in the community can offer — whether that's a few dollars or a helping hand.

They aren't sure the exact total costs to build the home. The location of the property will require pulling in electricity and installing a sceptic system.

"We're trying to cut costs where we can," Ann said.

They've set up an account at Flathead Bank called Kevin's Housing Fund, where all the money for the project will be kept and managed. Donations can be mailed directly to Flathead Bank for the fund or to PO Box 369, Somers, MT 59932. They've also created a "beginner's' website, Ann said, to keep people informed on the progress. That can be accessed at www.kevinhousingfund.com.

"We really would appreciate the help," she said. "We live in a wonderful community."

For more information, visit the website or e-mail help@kevinhousingfund.com.