ORANGEVALE, CA (MPG) - Without a doubt, one of the things that make Orangevale special is its people who live and work here. It’s no surprise why a very special Marine Veteran CW03 David Field, is choosing to make his home here in Orangevale thanks to the support of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Homes For Our Troops (HFOT). Fundraising help is still needed and that is why Dairy Queen (DQ) and others are rallying during the month of August to help make David’s dream come true.

“When I heard about David’s story, we felt moved to help,” said DQ owner, Cynthia Ellering, “So we decided to dedicate the month of August, to raise funds for a very special person and a very special cause.”

Meet CW03 David Field. David enlisted in the military after high school in the late 1980s. He felt the Marines would be a good fit because it would give him direction and lead to more opportunities. He loved the camaraderie of serving and forming lifelong friendships so much he decided to make it a career.

Marine Chief Warrant Officer 3 David Field first experienced combat as a mechanic with the 8^th Transportation Battalion during Desert Storm in 1991. He returned to the Middle East in 2003 during the initial invasion of Iraq with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267, and again in 2009 to Afghanistan with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267.

After serving his country for 22 years, David retired in 2013. Two years later, he started experiencing mobility issues. In 2017, he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. The VA determined that David’s disease is service connected.

David was an avid runner and cyclist who completed almost 20 marathons and several triathlons. As his symptoms progressed, when he could not run or ride, he enjoyed competing in almost every sport available in a wheelchair. He now enjoys listening to music, reading, and spending time with other Veterans.

Over the past two years, David has become more reliant on his wheelchair, and he is currently in residence at a rehabilitation facility in San Diego. Receiving a specially adapted custom Homes For Our Troops home will provide David with the space necessary to have full-time medical care, making it possible for him to live on his own. The freedom and independence he will regain in his new home will empower David to venture outside the home more, something he cannot easily do in his current situation.

After finding out he was accepted into the HFOT Family, he was at a loss for words. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am grateful there are organizations and supporters focused on improving the lives of veterans.”

David’s home is being built in Orangevale so he can be close to his family and friends, especially his sister, Terri, who is his primary caregiver. It is through Terri’s social media posts where Dairy Queen found out about David’s project and is now partnering with Homes For Our Troops to help raise funds to support David’s home with the specialized custom adaptations he will need, i.e., chair lifts, hand rails, etc.

August 1 through August 31, Dairy Queen, with the help of the Orangevale Chamber and Orangevale Live, will be raising funds for David’s home. Watch for the details and join us through the month of August. Let’s bring Marine Chief Warrant Officer 3 David Field home to our small town with big hearts!