On Thursday, Rosa Sherwood walked into her new home, feeling a surge of emotions. The sight of a new dishwasher delighted her. She exclaimed, “I’m officially not the dishwasher anymore!” For her husband Shawn, placing a pitcher of sweet tea in the refrigerator symbolized the reality of their new home. He said, “Now it’s my home.”
This Portage home was gifted to Shawn, Rosa, and their four daughters through the Homes for Heroes program, which assists veterans and first responders. Shawn, who served as a petty officer first class in the U.S. Navy, recalls watching Osama bin Laden’s body being transported overhead. His first assignment was on the USS Enterprise, not the starship, and he experienced a change of command when the new leader came wearing a costume resembling Jean Luc Picard’s Capt. Kirk uniform. In 2011, Shawn’s vessel suffered a rocket attack in Afghanistan, resulting in permanent injuries. Today, Shawn deals with bilateral sciatica, traumatic brain injury, PTSD, tinnitus, and low-level hearing loss. Shawn stated, “My back was so messed up. I move around a lot because if I stand still, my back acts up.”
During an event to celebrate their new home on June 25, 2026, Shawn and Rosa Sherwood smiled with appreciation. Provided by Building Homes for Heroes, this new residence marked a significant moment for them. Shawn’s service dog, Mac, a blue Doberman, aids him, while Rosa, legally blind, is assisted by her German shepherd, Daisy. Homes for Heroes even left a jar of dog biscuits for them.
In twenty years, Homes for Heroes has renovated, modified, and built over 465 homes. The organization aims to reach 500 homes by Christmas, said Director of Construction Rusty Smallwood. Another home was donated to a veteran in Mokena, Illinois, earlier this week.
“We’re here to bring this family home to their new forever home,” Smallwood remarked before the Sherwoods entered their spacious 1,600-square-foot, two-story, three-bedroom home. For the Sherwoods, like many families, establishing roots after a military career is crucial.
JP Morgan Chase donated the house to Homes for Heroes. Ernie Shanders, a vice president of the firm, welcomed the Sherwoods, stating, “Days like today are some of the most meaningful for me.” Shanders emphasized the importance of home ownership for stability and financial health. JP Morgan Chase pledged 1,000 homes to veterans, reaching this target in November. Shanders added, “They send a clear message to those who served: You are valued, and you are supported.”
Before seeing the interior and the backyard, Shawn expressed gratitude, saying, “It’s truly an honor to be given a home. Circumstances did not favor us earlier, but now we’re in our forever home. It’s pretty awesome.” Shawn mentioned the support of a bank and his favorite store, Lowe’s, in overcoming hurdles. Lowe’s generously donated materials and labor for last-minute finishing touches on the home.
Sharon Paige, Lowe’s store manager in Michigan City, has fond memories of Shawn from his football days. She contributed by adding details such as a mailbox and tools for the new grill. Paige expressed satisfaction seeing the home ready for the Sherwood family’s use.
Shawn, excited about the outdoor deck, planned many enjoyable moments there. His daughter Gabby, 15, chose a bedroom, ensuring fairness with her older siblings. The family, previously residing with Grandma in Hobart, looked forward to settling into their new space. Gabby described herself as an essential part of the family, saying, “I clean a bit, I bake a lot, I’m the coolest.”
Rosa aimed for a swift relocation to their new address. Shawn reflected on the construction process, unable to believe their good fortune. The family was allowed a single drive-by during construction to confirm the house’s suitability.
Contractor George Eizenga worked on both the Portage and Mokena homes. The Portage property had been vacant, leading neighbors to fear mold, though it turned out to be dirt cleaned off with power washing. Eizenga acknowledged the challenges posed by long vacancies, noting the uninviting state before renovations.
Homes for Heroes Project Manager Kim Crosby collaborated with Eizenga to envision a transformed home. Work started in April, racing to complete the project. The existing deck was rotting, trees grew through it, and the fence was supported by a makeshift lean-to. Eizenga easily persuaded neighbors to approve the replacement of the entire fence.
Shawn served in the Navy as a fireman, maintaining engineering and mechanical systems on ships. He later re-enlisted in 2004 to serve as a builder first class in the Seabees, experts in construction. Shawn’s military career spanned over 18 years, concluding with an honorable discharge in 2014. Recently, he has transitioned to teaching construction trades at Chesterton High School.
Doug Ross, reporting for the Post-Tribune, covered this heartwarming story.
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