header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
March 29
1928 - Little dam victim, thought unidentified & buried in SCV, actually ID'd & buried in Chatsworth [story]
Newhall Cowboys


Homeowner Joshua Murphy

Neighbors on normally peaceful Magnolia Glen Drive in Saugus woke up Saturday to armies of volunteers invading their block.

Football teams, ROTC students, members of youth leadership groups, bikers wearing black leather – their full-sized American flags proudly waving as they pulled into formation, legions of workers volunteering for their companies, set apart by their familiar colors (orange for Home Depot, blue for The Gas Co.), every person there with a single purpose – to roll up their sleeves and rehabilitate the home of Joshua and Windie Murphy.

To use the term “historic” to describe the turnout and effort would be an understatement. SCV Habitat For Heroes, a project of Habitat For Humanity, San Fernando/Santa Clarita Valley will facilitate the reconstruction and repair of 10 homes belonging to veterans of the Iraq/Afghanistan wars during the next twelve months, with more to follow for all Santa Clarita vets in need of assistance.

Volunteers scrape off old paint

The Murphy home was the first of the series; Joshua Murphy served two tours of duty with the Army in Iraq. He suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other injuries from a mortar blast that hit his guard tower in Iraq and is unable to work. Windie has become his full-time caretaker. SCV Habitat for Heroes gathered resources and manpower, bringing goods, services and about 300 volunteers to the home Saturday morning.

The laundry list of repairs was long – replacing windows, painting the house inside and out, installing solar panels, landscaping the front and back yards, rehabbing a bathroom and some of the kitchen, replacing appliances and making the house more energy efficient.

Employees from The Home Depot prepare to give the Murphy house a makeover

The project may be headed by Habitat For Humanity, but would not be possible without corporate support from companies like Home Depot and The Gas Company and sponsors such as Champion Windows, Rowland Air, Green Convergence, Creative Design Interiors, Advantage Disposal and Recycling, Stay Green, Inc., KHTS AM-1220 and others.

Along with hard goods, many sponsors provided supervisors for the project in their specialty areas, as well as many workers who volunteered their talents to work side-by-side with community members of all ages and disciplines.

Kevin McKidd from the TV series "Grey's Anatomy" helps install handicapped railing in the master shower

Setup began before the sun came up; signs were erected in front of the Murphy’s home, check-in tables and parking cones went up. Shuttles from Grace Baptist Church brought workers who parked at the church; volunteers signed up for their chosen area – painting, yard work, plumbing, and more.

After being fed by Corner Bakery, volunteers gathered for an official ceremony. Wayne Colmer, Chairman of the board of Habitat for Humanity SF/SCV welcomed the workers. “This is the inauguration of our Habitat affiliate’s program hot ank our servicemen and women for the sacrifices they have made for our country.

“This may be the first home, but it’s not the last,” Colmer said. “Our projects take a village of local community volunteers to complete.”

SCV Habitat For Heroes Co-Chair Carl Goldman said that when word about the project started getting out into the community, volunteers started coming out of the woodwork.

“It’s really no surprise that there are so many people here. Once we put the call out, we had to turn people away.”

Exterior gets a brush-up courtesy of The Home Depot on Newhall Ranch Road

Goldman introduced the Murphys, who stood next to the stage with their dog, Princess.

“We know that this critical home modification is only one way that we can pay back our veteran and that it will never amount to the sacrifices Joshua has made for all of us. We only hope that Joshua and his family can accept this as a symbol of our gratitude for him and what he has done for our country.”

Michael Gallagher, Senior Vice President of The Gas Company began with thanks to the volunteers, adding that the Gas Co. is looking for veterans to assist and asking the crowd to pass along the company’s policy of giving veterans an advantage when they are job-seeking.

“We’ve been working with Habitat for Humanity for awhile to do a little bit of what we should be doing as a company,” he said.

Kim Cherney, the manager of the Home Depot on Newhall Ranch Road that provided most of the appliances and hardware for the project as well as manpower, said that the company’s foundation is dedicated to helping veterans, budgeting $30 million to help families.

New solar panels will help cut the Murphys' electricity bills

The ceremony was not without a celebrity touch with two stars of prime time adding their perspective; Kevin McKidd from “Grey’s Anatomy” and Mark Valley from “Harry’s Law.” Valley is a graduate of West Point and a veteran of Operation Desert Storm. He thanked the volunteers and acknowledged the Hollywood Veterans group that had accompanied him to the build. He joked that he wasn’t sure what they would put him to work doing, since “there aren’t any jobs where I can stand around with my hands on my hips and supervise.”

McKidd, who received a PRISM Award for his portrayal of an Iraq veteran doctor who is dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, said he was there to do a little tile work and hopefully set an example for his children.

“Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a psychiatric condition, not just for those who have been in combat,” he said. “The psychological damage that such experiences cause make it very challenging just to hold down a job or to have any kind of relationship with others.

“I’m one of the lucky ones. Thanks to the security provided by real-life soldiers, who put themselves in harm’s way every single day, I just go to work in Hollywood and pretend to be a doctor who suffers from this ailment.  I hope the role I play in ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ in a small way brings some awareness to this huge mental health challenge that our veterans are dealing with.”

“If there’s anything we can do to serve those who served and given us so much, we have to do it. So when I was asked to be here, of course, I felt honored to help out,” he continued. “I’m here with my wife and kids, I hope as we build today, we can learn from each other and teach our kids that giving back should be a part of our lives and I just want to thank all the veterans for everything they’ve done.”

Assemblyman Cameron Smyth said that the turnout did not surprise him and gave him a sense of extreme pride – and some bragging rights.

“Sometimes you get a little frustrated when you turn on the TV and you think people are really questioning the direction of our country, but then you see the sacrifice that our own community members make every day and their lives are changed forever because they’re willing to put it on the line for all of us.”

“It gives me goosebumps and reminds me and reinforces my faith, in this country, certainly coming here and seeing this turnout, my faith in this community. When you see this turnout, it gives me something to brag about when I go back to the Capitol in a couple of months, because I assure you, no other district, no other community in the state is stepping up like Santa Clarita. I know my colleagues in Sacramento are probably tired of hearing me brag, but I’m gonna do it and tell them, “if you don’t like it, why don’t you do that in your community. Step up because we’re going to keep doing it to support our heroes and support our community.”

As the speeches and presentations came to a close, the volunteers anxious to get busy descended on the Murphy’s house, scraping, sanding, digging, clearing and rolling up their sleeves to show their appreciation for the couple’s sacrifice. It was a giant donation of sweat equity into a home made comfortable for one of our community’s heroes.

Four more projects are planned through SCV Habitat for Heroes; homes approved to receive refurbishments include:

* A Vietnam veteran who served in the Air Force, recently disabled and living alone.

* A young widow whose husband served in the Army and died in Iraq, with a 5-year old son.

* A Navy veteran who served in the Korean War who is 100 percent disabled.

* A 34-year old Army veteran who served in Kosovo, he has two children and is low-income.

Anyone interested in volunteering for future projects should contact Habitat for Humanity at 818-884-8808 or visit www.habitatscv.org.

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

1 Comment

  1. This is representative of what America has always been about; I am so proud of my fellow Americans who took part in this effort. I am especially proud that my own niece, Stacy, and her husband, DJ, are involved through DJ’s business, Green Convergence; my hat is off to you and my heart is overflowing. Our veteran’s deserve all that we, the people they fought to defend, can provide.

Leave a Comment


SCV NONPROFIT LINKS

NONPROFIT HEADLINES
Thursday, Mar 28, 2024
PFLAG Santa Clarita has announced the establishment of the Peggy and Jeff Stabile PFLAG SCV Scholarship. The scholarship will provide financial assistance to LGBTQIA+ students pursuing higher education and committed to advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights and promoting diversity and inclusion.
Wednesday, Mar 27, 2024
The Santa Clarita Master Chorale invites the community to "Let the Sunshine In," a delightful evening of food, wine and song at the annual Cabaret & Cabernet fundraising benefit.
Wednesday, Mar 27, 2024
Raise your heart rate while raising funds for the Santa Clarita Sister Cities Dollars-for-Desks campaign to provide school desks for students in Sariaya, Santa Clarita's Sister City in the Philippines.
Wednesday, Mar 27, 2024
Wednesday, Mar 27, 2024
Los Angeles County’s Justice, Care and Opportunities Department  in collaboration with Local Initiatives Support Corporation Los Angeles is proud to announce the 2nd Annual Pitch Competition for the cohorts of JCOD's Incubation Academy.

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
1928 - Little dam victim, thought unidentified & buried in SCV, actually ID'd & buried in Chatsworth [story]
Newhall Cowboys
Los Angeles County Public Works is updating the Los Angeles County Bicycle Master Plan.
April 16:  County Bicycle Master Plan Virtual Community Meeting
College of the Canyons mens golf got back on track during its return to conference play on Monday, carding a five-man score of 370 to top the eight-team field at Brookside Golf Course and maintain its unblemished conference mark.
Cougars Win Again, Keep Conference Streak
Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector, reminds property owners that the second installment of the 2023-24 Annual Secured Property Taxes becomes  delinquent if not received by 5 p.m. Pacific Time or United States Postal Service postmarked on or before Wednesday, April 10, 2024.
County Treasurer Reminds Property Owners of April 10 Due Date
Local nonprofit Fostering Youth Independence is seeking “Allies” to support Santa Clarita youth who are aging out of the L.A. County foster care system.
April 16: FYI Seeks Volunteers To Pair With Local Foster Youth
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health today unveiled the latest L.A. County Health Survey, which gathers vital data on health behaviors, conditions, neighborhood settings, and the needs of L.A .County residents, informing future public health policies and programs.
Public Health Unveils the 2023 L.A. County Health Survey Findings
Due to the projected rain forecast, Eggstravaganza will now be held indoors at the Canyon Country Community Center beginning promptly at 10 a.m. on March 30.
March 30: Eggstravaganza Now Being Held Indoors at Canyon Country Community Center
To support the mental health of California's young people, the California Department of Public Health awarded $25 million to 28 tribal and community-based organizations across the state.
California Announces $25 Million in Awards for Youth Mental Health
The College of the Canyons Athletic Department will host a dedication ceremony to unveil the Michele Jenkins Softball Team Room in honor of the longtime board member and ardent softball program supporter’s nearly 40 years of service to the district.
April 16: COC to Host Michele Jenkins Team Room Dedication Ceremony
PFLAG Santa Clarita has announced the establishment of the Peggy and Jeff Stabile PFLAG SCV Scholarship. The scholarship will provide financial assistance to LGBTQIA+ students pursuing higher education and committed to advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights and promoting diversity and inclusion.
PFLAG SCV Announces Stabile PFLAG Scholarship
1934 - Bouquet Canyon Reservoir, replacement for ill-fated St. Francis Dam & reservoir, begins to fill with water [story]
Bouquet Reservoir
The California Department of Public Health launched the “Never a Bother” campaign, a youth suicide prevention public awareness and outreach campaign for youth, young adults, and their parents, caregivers, and allies.
California Launches New Youth Suicide Prevention Campaign
The Santa Clarita Master Chorale invites the community to "Let the Sunshine In," a delightful evening of food, wine and song at the annual Cabaret & Cabernet fundraising benefit.
April 20: Santa Clarita Master Chorale’s Cabaret, Cabernet Fundraiser
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cautions residents who are planning to visit the below Los Angeles County beaches to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters:
March 27 Ocean Water Warning
As an integral ingredient necessary to help the Santa Clarita Valley to flourish, feedback from the business community is the secret sauce for achieving great things.
SCVEDC Asks For the Business Community’s Opinion on Santa Clarita
Raise your heart rate while raising funds for the Santa Clarita Sister Cities Dollars-for-Desks campaign to provide school desks for students in Sariaya, Santa Clarita's Sister City in the Philippines.
April 13: Sister Cities Zumba-thon Fundraiser
Remo, Inc. is is the world's leading manufacturer and developer of synthetic drumheads and shells. They’ve been in business for 60 years
SCVEDC Company Spotlight: Drumming Up Big Business with Remo, Inc.
California State Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo (D-Chatsworth) and Assemblyman James Ramos (D-Highland) have introduced AB 3074 the "School or athletic team names: California Racial Mascots Act."
Schiavo Introduces Bill to Prohibit ‘Derogatory’ School Mascot Names
Los Angeles County’s Justice, Care and Opportunities Department  in collaboration with Local Initiatives Support Corporation Los Angeles is proud to announce the 2nd Annual Pitch Competition for the cohorts of JCOD's Incubation Academy.
March 28: JCOD Incubation Academy Helps Grassroots Non-Profits For the Second Year
Children’s Bureau is seeking foster families and now offers two virtual ways for individuals and/or couples to learn how to help children in foster care while reunifying with birth families or how to provide legal permanency by adoption.
April 18: Children’s Bureau Hosts Virtual Orientation
The Sunburst track was constructed in 1887 by the Southern Pacific Railroad and was a part of the main line running between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Enjoy Spring With a Ride On The Sunburst Track
California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond hosted a Personal Finance Summit today where he announced his support for Assembly Bill 2927 (McCarty), legislation that would require a personal finance education course for California high school graduation.
State Superintendent Announces Support for Personal Finance Graduation Requirement
1847 - Probable birth date of Pico Canyon oil driller Charles Alexander Mentry [story]
C.A. Mentry
SCVNews.com