Operation Homefront proudly presents the Mancini Family.
Apartment provided courtesy of the PGA TOUR
SSG Brian Mancini was seriously wounded in Iraq during an explosion. He lost his right eye and suffered other severe injuries. At the time of the injury, Brian owned a home near Ft. Riley, Kansas. During the recovery from his injuries Brian and Specialist (E4) Ashley Simpson became engaged. Soon after they were married and Ashley was given compassionate re-assignment to Walter Reed Army Medical Center to be with Brian. The family lived in an apartment for a year paying $2300 a month in the expensive DC real estate market, as well as trying to keep up with the mortgage on their home in Kansas. The total amount for the two was more than their finances could bear and they found themselves in a difficult situation. In addition, they were trying to save and prepare for Ashley’s transition from active duty in the Army and into college. Knowing they would be losing her income, the applied to live at Operation Homefront Village. The gift of being able to live rent free during recovery has helped the Mancini’s prepare for a successful transition back into civilian life. Brian has recently learned he will have another surgery in September and then he will begin the medical review board process.
Operation Homefront proudly presents the Hicks Family
Apartment provided courtesy of the PGA TOUR
About a year and a half after joining the Army, PFC Antoine Hicks found himself plagued by stomach cramps. He told his squad leader something didn't feel right. A medical check-up in July 2007 revealed an irregular heartbeat. One month later 20 year-old Antoine was hospitalized for defibrillator placement. In February 2008 he was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure, Cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease) and other cardiovascular problems. After being in and out of the hospital for about a year a case manager at Brook Army Medical Center suggested that Antoine ask his mom Monique to come to San Antonio to be his primary care taker. The same case manager suggested Antoine look into moving in at Operation Homefront Village, a transitional housing facility for wounded, ill and injured service members. Since October 2008 Antoine and mom Monique have lived at OH Village. Thanks to Operation Homefront and The PGA Tour, Antoine's mom Monique has been able to live with him and take care of him as he waits for a heart transplant. Antoine is number 1b on the national heart donor waiting list. Recently Operation Homefront provided the Hicks with a van to get Antoine to and from the numerous medical visits he must make on a regular basis.