FDNY: Boxing Team Presents Check for Homes for Heroes

Published: March 5, 2015

FDNY Boxing Team Presents Check to Building Homes for Heroes

The FDNY Boxing team proved they fight with a heart on March 5, when they presented a $20,000 check to Building Homes for Heroes to help them build a home for U.S. Marine Corporal Kevin Vaughan. 

“The Boxing Team went above and beyond,” Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro said during the event at FDNY Headquarters. “They demonstrate the Department’s unwavering commitment to the people who protect our country.”

Firefighter Bobby McGuire, Club President, said, “It’s an honor for us to raise money for an organization that is doing such great work.”

The charity builds or modifies homes and gifts them, mortgage-free, to veterans and their families. Cpl. Vaughan’s home is being built in North Merrick, New York, and will be presented to the hero on May 16.

“Thank you for your continued support – together we can make a difference,” said Carolyn Paszke, Director of Special Events and Corporate Relations for Building Homes for Heroes.

Cpl. Vaughan was wounded in Afghanistan in September 2011, when his vehicle struck an 80-pound pressure plate (improvised explosive device). Five Marines were injured in the blast, and Cpl. Vaughan sustained serious injuires to both legs – his left leg was amputated below the knee and his right was reconstructed. He spent 15 months at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center recovering from his injuries.

“The hardest thing about coming home is adjusting, and I couldn’t have done it without the FDNY and Building Homes for Heroes,” Cpl. Vaughan said. “You remind us we’ll be alright.”