Welcome Home: The Sherwood Family’s Journey
Rosa Sherwood felt overwhelmed with emotion as she stepped into her new home on Thursday. Noticing the dishwasher, she exclaimed with joy, “I’m officially not the dishwasher anymore! The dishwasher is going to be my favorite.” For her husband, Shawn, placing a pitcher of sweet tea in the fridge marked the transition to a new chapter. “Now it’s my home,” he acknowledged.
Gifted Home Through Homes for Heroes
The Sherwood family, including their four daughters, received their Portage home via Homes for Heroes, an organization supporting veterans and first responders. Shawn served as a petty officer first class in the U.S. Navy. During his service, he witnessed Osama bin Laden’s body being transported. His initial post was aboard the USS Enterprise, where a commanding officer made quite the entrance wearing a Star Trek inspired uniform. In 2011, a rocket attack in Afghanistan caused lasting injuries impacting Shawn physically and mentally.
“My back was so messed up. I move around a lot because if I stand still, my back acts up.” — Shawn Sherwood
The Support System
Shawn relies on Mac, a blue Doberman service dog, while Rosa, who is legally blind, is cared for by Daisy, a German shepherd. Homes for Heroes thoughtfully left dog biscuits for these companions in the new dwelling.
Transforming Properties into Homes
Director of Construction, Rusty Smallwood, explained that in 20 years, Homes for Heroes has renovated, modified, and built over 465 homes, aiming for 500 by year’s end. Another home was recently gifted to a veteran in Mokena, Illinois.
“These homes are necessary to give them that start that they so deserve.” — Rusty Smallwood
A Collaborative Effort
JP Morgan Chase generously donated the Sherwoods’ house to the program. Ernie Shanders, a VP at the firm, expressed gratitude for being part of these transformative moments.
“Days like today are some of the most meaningful for me. We know how foundational it is to stability and long-term financial health.” — Ernie Shanders
Shawn expressed his appreciation even before exploring the home’s interior and backyard.
Lowe’s, another contributor, provided materials and manpower, aiding in the home’s final preparations. Store manager Sharon Paige fondly recalled Shawn from their school days.
“He was just a real gentleman.” — Sharon Paige
Shawn’s excitement was evident as he stepped onto the deck for the first time, a space he’ll enjoy for years to come.
Hope for the Future
Daughter Gabby Sherwood gladly picked from two upstairs bedrooms, citing fairness for her elder siblings. The family had moved frequently, most recently residing at Grandma’s house in Hobart. Gabby eagerly anticipated settling into the new home.
Rosa and Shawn planned to spend the night in their “forever home,” though the notion of receiving such a magnificent gift initially seemed unreal.
Renovating a Neglected Property
Contractor George Eizenga, instrumental in the home’s transformation, noted initial concerns over mold, simply resolved by cleaning rather than extensive repair. Eizenga’s daughter, Tessa, likened the home’s state to an eerie atmosphere.
“You need to have a vision to make something old like that come together.” — George Eizenga
Challenges such as a rotting deck and failing fence were remedied, making the home welcoming once more.
Looking Back at Shawn’s Service
In the Navy, Shawn was a fireman, tasked with engineering and mechanical maintenance. Later, he re-enlisted as a builder first class within the Seabees, overseeing construction tasks such as repairing piers.
Concluding a notable career, Shawn served over 18 years, ending in 2014 with an honorable discharge. Recently, he joined Chesterton High School as a construction trades teacher.
Doug Ross, a dedicated Post-Tribune freelance reporter, covers local developments.