-
Sgt. 'Lito" Dilone acknowledges receipt of a military-style challenge coin from Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez at Saturday's Homes for Our Troops kickoff. He appeared with President George W. Bush at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. PHOTO/TERRY LLOYD -
Sgt. “Lito” Dilone
Over 100 concerned individuals gathered at the Kissimmee Christian Church Saturday morning to raise funds and be inspired by Army Sergeant Noe “Lito” Santos Dilone’s journey of healing since being grievously wounded in Iraq in 2005.
Even with the best rehabilitative therapies and prosthetics available from military and Veterans Affairs (VA) sources, Lito must use crutches or a wheelchair to get through each day. Some members of Sgt. Dilone’s family spoke at the event, all saying how strong and positive he has stayed over the years, being an inspiration that has helped other members of his family.
The event was a “Community Kickoff” held by the national nonprofit organization Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) for the building of a specially adapted custom home for Sgt. Dilone. He lost his left leg at the hip, and suffered other injuries when his vehicle struck an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) near Baghdad.
Area leaders, including U.S. Rep. Darren Soto, State Rep. Paula Stark, Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez, and Kissimmee Commissioner Olga Castaño were on hand, and each spoke about how they support veterans through their offices.
Specially Adapted Housing grants are available from the VA to veterans with Sgt. Dilone’s high level of injuries. However, the program is limited to only 120 grants per year and a maximum of under $110,000. Organizations such as Homes for Our Troops step in to try and fill this gap.
“We have over 100 veterans in our application process right now, and we are able to build about 25 homes per year,” said HFOT Director and retired Army Brigadier Gen. Tom Landwermeyer. “We estimate there are at least a thousand veterans out there that are eligible.”
Retired Army Staff Sergeant Christopher Gordon, who was also seriously injured in Iraq and went through rehabilitation with Lito Dilone at the Army’s Walter Reed Medical Center, recently received an adaptive home from HFOT in Groveland in Lake County. He spoke at the event on Saturday.
“Your injury affects your whole family. Once we moved into our new home, everybody’s stress levels went way down. Now I can cook and contribute to the daily needs of our family; we can get back to ‘normal’ again. I even chase my son around the house and outside in my wheelchair every afternoon when he gets home from kindergarten,” Gordon said.
Sgt. Dilone addressed the audience last, thanking everyone for their support Saturday, and the support of his family and friends since he was injured.
“I want everyone to know that I really, really love our country, and I don’t regret my service, not for a minute,” Dilone said.
Dilone’s house should be ready for the moving-in “key ceremony” this fall. There will be a Volunteer Day sometime before then, and all are invited, regardless of whatever skills they might possess.
Find out more about Sgt. Dilone’s story and Homes For Our Troops at www.hfotusa.org.
