Community Corner
Disabled Temecula Veteran Set to Receive Keys to New Home
The public is invited to a "key ceremony" and/or to make contributions to a welcome basket.
The Temecula community is preparing to help welcome a permanently disabled veteran as he gets the keys to his new custom home—just in time for he and his family to celebrate the holidays.
A key ceremony is planned for 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 4 at Army Staff Sgt. Wallace Fanene's new residence, 35220 Calle Nopal near Temecula Wine Country, and one of his future neighbors is asking the community for contributions for a welcome basket.
Neighbor Rose Pirio is putting the call out, asking for donations of gift cards to Home Depot or Walmart, or gift certificates or discount coupons for movies or restaurants. Community members are also encouraged to offer their services, such as gardening or cleaning for one month or longer.
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Additionally, those who would like to be on hand to help welcome Fanene, his wife, Scarlet and their two children to their new home are asked to begin gathering near the home at 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 4.
Fanene, a 2000 graduate of Temecula Valley High School, is receiving the new home as one of 12 "Homes for the Holidays" projects of Homes for our Troops. According to the nonprofit organization, Fanene was on his second deployment in September 2007 when he lost his right leg above the knee and his right arm below the elbow in an IED blast in Kirkuk, Iraq.
Find out what's happening in Temeculawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
A groundbreaking was held in September for the home that is designed so that the amputee can get around easily in his wheelchair.
HGTV and DIY Network personality Ahmed Hassan and Volvo Rents were among those who donated time and services to the project, as were many community members and businesses.
"An escort will bring Fanene and his family to the home site and we encourage all supporters to line the street to help welcome this veteran to his new home," according to an event flier.
To read more of Fanene's story or to RSVP for the key ceremony, visit Hfotusa.org/Fanene.
For more information about contributing to the gift basket, contact Rose Pirio at 951-237-8525 or 7degreesbelow@gmail.com.
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