MSG CHRISTOPHER "CHRIS" BLAUVELT
Chris joined the Coast Guard immediately after high school, the beginning of his long military career. He was a rescue swimmer for eight years, four as a helicopter rescue swimmer. Chris then briefly worked for the post office before joining the Marine Corps’ Force Recon Special Forces for five years. He left the military in early 2001 and quickly enlisted with the Connecticut Army National Guard after the 9/11 attacks.
On April 4, 2010, during his first deployment, Master Sergeant Blauvelt was on a patrol in Laghman Province, Afghanistan, when an IED detonated under his vehicle. The blast caused the traumatic amputation of his right leg, spinal fractures, a fractured pelvis, and a traumatic brain injury (TBI). He was treated in Afghanistan before being transported to Landstuhl, Germany, and then Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, D.C.
Medically retired in 2012, Chris now enjoys spending time with his wife Bernadette and their five children. In his current home, daily obstacles, like taking a shower, are a safety risk. As a friend of HFOT home recipient and 2017 Cars for Our Troops beneficiary Marine Cpl Tim Read, Chris has seen first-hand the freedom and independence a Homes for Our Troops home provides.
In a custom HFOT home, special adaptations like a roll-in shower and wider doorways will make life easier and bring a sense of independence for Chris. He will also have the financial freedom to further his education – pursuing a degree in clinical social work - and have more time spend on his hobbies and with his family.
Originally from Connecticut, Chris is choosing to build in Wesley Chapel, FL, to be close to medical care. Master Sergeant Blauvelt says it’s an amazing feeling to have HFOT and their donors taking care of Veterans like himself. “The gift of a mortgage free home is beyond generous, and we are so grateful!”
Chris joined the Coast Guard immediately after high school, the beginning of his long military career. He was a rescue swimmer for eight years, four as a helicopter rescue swimmer. Chris then briefly worked for the post office before joining the Marine Corps’ Force Recon Special Forces for five years. He left the military in early 2001 and quickly enlisted with the Connecticut Army National Guard after the 9/11 attacks.
On April 4, 2010, during his first deployment, Master Sergeant Blauvelt was on a patrol in Laghman Province, Afghanistan, when an IED detonated under his vehicle. The blast caused the traumatic amputation of his right leg, spinal fractures, a fractured pelvis, and a traumatic brain injury (TBI). He was treated in Afghanistan before being transported to Landstuhl, Germany, and then Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, D.C.
Medically retired in 2012, Chris now enjoys spending time with his wife Bernadette and their five children. In his current home, daily obstacles, like taking a shower, are a safety risk. As a friend of HFOT home recipient and 2017 Cars for Our Troops beneficiary Marine Cpl Tim Read, Chris has seen first-hand the freedom and independence a Homes for Our Troops home provides.
In a custom HFOT home, special adaptations like a roll-in shower and wider doorways will make life easier and bring a sense of independence for Chris. He will also have the financial freedom to further his education – pursuing a degree in clinical social work - and have more time spend on his hobbies and with his family.
Originally from Connecticut, Chris is choosing to build in Wesley Chapel, FL, to be close to medical care. Master Sergeant Blauvelt says it’s an amazing feeling to have HFOT and their donors taking care of Veterans like himself. “The gift of a mortgage free home is beyond generous, and we are so grateful!”