Happy Independence Day!

The staff of Homes For Heroes would like to wish everyone a happy Fourth Of July! Today is a true reminder of how great our country is, and we wouldn’t be where we are today without the dedication of all of our Heroes. Have a wonderful and safe holiday, and be sure to enjoy the celebratory video below.

Scott Hayes

Homes For Heroes would like to introduce…

Scott Hayes
Originally from Ohio, Scott has lived in Texas for nearly 20 years, selling real estate in Austin since 1995. Scott brings a wealth of experience to his clients, utilizing a background in residential sales, development and investment. His passion for real estate is conveyed not only by dedication to clients, but his personal investment in the Central Texas real estate market.

Whether working with a first time buyer, investor, or experienced consumer, Scott approaches each with the same level of energy and service. His philosophy is that every person’s needs are unique so he customizes his approach in order to provide a positive experience as individual as each of his clients. In his words “The purchase of real estate should be enjoyable, informative and free from stress. Too often that is not the case, and it is my goal to ensure that never happens with my clients.”

Scott has lived in several areas of Austin, and can be counted on for tips on subjects as varied as the best places to eat to where to get the best deal on an oil change. When he isn’t working, Scott enjoys traveling with his wife, trying new sports and reading far too many newspapers and books.

Scott joined Homes for Heroes as part of his commitment to customer service. He believes, like our heroes, realtors are an integral part of the community, in that they provide a service that our citizen’s need. Scott would like to assist those who are the very foundation, the folks who make our towns and cities work.

Scott is a big believer in continuing education. In addition to fulfilling his mandatory continuing education requirements, he takes courses and earns designations, which keep him on the leading edge of the real estate market. Scott is a member of:

The Graduate Realtors Institute

Council Of Residential Specialists

Accredited Buyers Representative

Certified Distressed Property Expert

Remax Executive Club

Chris Brickman

Homes For Heroes would like to introduce…

Chris Brickman, a former United States Army Veteran, understands the sacrifices an individual serving their country and community faces. You give your dedication unconditionally and expect nothing in return.

Mr. Brickman has been in the real estate business for ten years. For the past seven years he has been a Broker. He started his own company, United Realty & Associates, five years ago. His passion for real estate is demonstrated in every transaction he is a part of.

Being involved in Homes For Heroes allows him the opportunity to give back to Veterans, Firefighters, Police Officers, Doctors, Nurses, and Teachers. As a token of his appreciation he offers a 25% discount on his commission to Sellers and Buyers he represents.

It is his distinct pleasure to assist those who give so much. Because of what you do, Mr. Brickman would like to say “Thank you”.

If you are looking to buy or sell a home in the Dallas Fort Worth area, contact Chris through our web site at Homes for Heroes.

Monica Foster

Homes For Heroes would like to introduce…

Monica M. Foster, REALTOR

Biography/Qualifications

Monica Foster is a full time Realtor/Associate with RE/MAX Space Center in Houston, Texas with 5 years experience in representing all buyers and sellers, including first-time buyers. She provides service to South Harris County and North Galveston County and is experienced in all aspects of Residential Real Estate.

Monica is a firm believer in the importance of continuing education and greatly exceeds the minimum requirements set forth by the Texas Real Estate Commission with regard to continuing education. She lives and works in this area and keep abreast of the market there. Monica stays active in the community and serves on the Board of Directors for the Homeowner’s Association in the neighborhood in which she lives.

Monica is a member of the following Associations/Organizations:

Houston Association of Realtors
Texas Association of Realtors
National Association of Realtors
Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council
Council of Residential Specialists

Additionally, she has earned the following certifications, designations, and awards:
Accredited Buyer Representative (2005)
Residential Construction Certified (2008)
Certified New Home Specialist (2008)
RE/MAX International’s Executive Club Award

Monica is currently working toward earning the coveted Certified Residential Specialist designation, as well as her Broker’s License.

Her motto is “Love your work and you’ll never work a day in your life.” Monica truly enjoys what she does – helping others realize their goals. She takes great satisfaction in serving others, so for Monica, a career in Real Estate was the logical choice … and she cannot imagine doing anything else.

Monica joined the Homes for Heroes program because to her, the program is a wonderful way of giving back to the men and women who give so much of themselves to the community each and every day. It’s her way of saying “thank you” to them for all their hard work.

Imitation is the best form of flattery, until……….

Until your good name is besmirched. Homes for Heroes in the past has taken people leveraging our brand as flattery. We often ask if they would like to continue to use our good name by joining forces with us, and if they do not want to we are okay with that decision also. But recently something came up that does need to be addressed. We will let the Morris Daily Herald explain it.

Illinois allegation hurts ‘real’ Heroes

Minneapolis, Minn–When Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan took enforcement action against the Minooka, Ill.-based Homes for Heroes Inc., says Brad Oosterhuis, it was not a reflection on the “real” Home for Heroes.

“Our organization has been serving heroes continuously since 2002, and we have a serious concern that the publication of the charge against the Homes for Heroes company in Illinois could seriously tarnish our good name,” said Oosterhuis, executive director of Home for Heroes, in a recent e-mail.

Since the founding of Homes for Heroes, a press release from the Minnesota-based organization notes, many organizations have tried to duplicate the Homes for Heroes model and have illegally used the trademarked name. The widespread recognition of the Homes for Heroes name across the nation has caused many groups to attempt to leverage this successful brand to their advantage.

“While Homes for Heroes encourages all companies to support our heroes, it is illegal for them to use the Homes for Heroes trademarked name,” said Ruth Johnson, president of Homes for Heroes. “It is especially disturbing when these organizations are providing false claims and tarnishing the good name and work that Homes for Heroes is doing.”

In an effort to advance its cause and protect its name, Home for Heroes, which is now in its seventh year of operation, recently created the Homes for Heroes Foundation.

Due to its highly recognized name and brand nationally, the press release notes, Homes for Heroes became inundated with calls that were predominantly from severely wounded military personnel asking for assistance.

“These requests went far beyond the scope of our business model and ability to help,” Johnson said. The shareholders of Homes for Heroes saw a need for a charitable organization that would have a similar vision to its own. After much thought and the desire to help, they formed the Homes for Heroes Foundation.

The foundation will endeavor to provide or coordinate financial assistance to the heroes of our nation, such as military, police officers, firefighters and first responders who are in need.

Meanwhile, with the busy spring housing market well under way, Homes for Heroes affiliates will continue to “give back” by providing significant savings to its local heroes, particularly military personnel, police officers, firefighters, teachers, health care workers and others who serve our country and communities everyday.

If you would like more information about the Homes for Heroes, please call Ruth Johnson at (866) 443-7637 or log onto www.homesforheroes.com or www.homesforheroesfoundation.org.

In her enforcement action against the Minooka-based company using the Homes for Heroes name, Attorney General Lisa Madigan alleged the company and its owner, Patrick Gleason of Minooka, conducted a fraudulent charitable solicitation campaign and engaged in deceptive practices by falsely representing the local Homes for Heroes is “a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.”

Gleason has gone on record calling the IAG’s action “absurd.”

“This is absurd,” he said. We filed for our corporation and status a long time ago. The IRS asked us to put it on good paper, not wallpaper. It was done, it was all signed and sent in again. So, they’re trying to smear our names with improprieties …”

An address can be just as important as the house itself.

I saw an article the other day about how a town changed the name of a street because the street name was causing problems for the residents. Deliveries were not being made, and there were numerous indecent exposures going on at all times of day. No, don’t worry, we at Homes for Heroes have not run into any problems. So that must have you asking yourselves, how could a street name cause that much grief? Is it a new road? Nope. That would be too easy. Such as “Ruby Tuesday Dr.” named after one of the Rolling Stones songs. But in that case the major issues would be sign stealing or a mob of people waiting to take a picture next to the sign.

Something I should clarify. This street inhabits a portion of ground in an English speaking country. We have all seen the web photos of some tourist in front of a non-english speaking country sign that is funny if taken in English. This instance does not fit that category. The street sign is in plain english. So again, you should be either very frustrated and yelling, just get to it, or preferably, you should be asking yourself what in tarnations would cause the residents of a street to petition the city council to have the street renamed, wiping out hundreds of years of history?

Well you could live on Butt Hole Road. Yup. Delivery services don’t believe the address so they just throw your packages to the undeliverable pile. Order a pizza for delivery, you get hung up on when they ask for your address. Some mornings as you head to your car, you might find several people mooning for a shot next to the notorious sign. Mmm, and just after breakfast. Think of the kids that get in trouble with their teacher. “Young Master Tom, can you tell me your address?” “Why yes, Miss Turing. It is 14 Butt Hole Road.” “To the office with you, I’ll not have any of that language in my classroom!!”

It might seem charming at first.....

Butt Hole Road is now Archer Way. I keep trying to come up with something equally sinister for Archer Way as Butt Hole but I get squat. I suppose some would think living on Butt Hole Road is better than living in Crapstone, England or in Penistone (pronounced PENNUS tun). But any of those on an employment application could put you right into the circular file. Titty Ho, England however, might get a second glance, depending on which gender is reviewing your resume. I did some research into Butt Hole Road and first found something on Webster.com. It provides the following definition for the word butt.

butt
Function:
noun
Etymology:
Middle English, from Anglo-French but, bout, from Old Occitan
bota, from Late Latin buttis
Date:
14th century
1: a large cask especially for wine, beer, or water 2: any of various
units of liquid capacity ; especially : a measure equal to 108 imperial
gallons (491 liters)

So could that be the simple answer? The road served as a watering hole for the village of Conisbrough, South Yorkshire, England all those centuries ago? A little more digging and I find something equally as plausible. Around the same time in the 1300’s a butt was also an embankment to catch arrows and “missles” as they flew at you. A road traveling through this embankment could very easily have been called the butt hole. The word Butt was not associated with our portable seat cushion until well after the road was named. An old 14th century battle manual also mentions that when learning to shoot your bow and arrow you should start by “shooting at the butt”. Once you can hit the target you can then move to harder targets in the field. They also give hints on how to shoot the arrows from between your legs. I apologize for those last several sentences were really hard to get through without conjuring up all sorts of puns.

So modern mans use of the English language has changed over history and when you are looking to purchase a home there are two major things you need to take away from this article.

Most important is to get a hold of Homes for Heroes. They will save you a good amount of money when purchasing as well as selling a home.

And almost as equally important, is pay attention to the address. You may love the house, as I am sure all the inhabitants of Butt Hole Road did, but they found out with much frustration that living on historic Butt Hole Road is a lonely place. And you will be proud of how I refrained from the several hundred puns I could have used.

I am running out of space. My boss has limited me to 15 inches of text, not including pictures. But I did want to tell you about a story I heard today regarding the valiant and brave Marines of 2/5 in Afghanistan. I guess it will

In honor of our Heroes

It is the

VETERAN

not the preacher,

who has given us freedom of religion.

It is the

VETERAN

not the reporter,

who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the

VETERAN

not the poet,

who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the

VETERAN

not the campus organizer,

who has given us freedom to assemble.

It is the

VETERAN

not the lawyer,

who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the

VETERAN

not the politician,

Who has given us the right to vote.

It is the

VETERAN

who salutes the Flag.

It is the

VETERAN

who serves

under the Flag.

ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD, AND LET

PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.

This came to me from an old and good friend. He used to be Navy and I think that has hung over him like a dark cloud his entire life. I get to say that because I am a Marine! Not really. Shoe got to show me that Squids were just as dedicated to freedom as us Jarheads. This upcoming weekend is time for us to remember and honor our fallen heroes. For them we would not have what we have today. And that is just plain fact.

Did you know that Memorial Day started as Decoration Day to honor the Union soldiers who had fallen during the Civil War? Many communities after the war set aside a day to honor their boys who fell in battle. In 1868 The Grand Army of the Republic, a fraternal organization of Union Civil War Vets, established Decoration Day for May 30th. May 30th being close to the day of the North and South reunification. After World War 1 it was changed to honor all fallen soldiers of all wars. Read the declaration below. You can tell just by reading the emotion these men had for their fallen comrades.

Memorial Day Order

I. The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form or ceremony is prescribed, but Posts and comrades will, in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.

We are organized, Comrades, as our regulations tell us, for the purpose among other things, “of preserving and strengthening those kind and fraternal feelings which have bound together the soldiers sailors and Marines, who united to suppress the late rebellion.” What can aid more to assure this result than by cherishing tenderly the memory of our heroic dead? We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated wealth and taste of the nation can add to their adornment and security, is but a fitting tribute to the memory of her slain defenders. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic.

If other eyes grow dull and other hinds slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain in us.

Let us, then, at the time appointed, gather around their sacred remains, and garland the passionless mounds above them with choicest flowers of springtime; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledge to aid and assist those whom they have left among us a sacred charge upon the Nation’s gratitude—the soldier’s and sailor’s widow and orphan.

II. It is the purpose of the Commander in Chief to inaugurate this observance with the hope that it will be kept up from year to year, while a survivor of the war remains to honor the memory of his departed comrades. He earnestly desires the public press to call attention to this Order, and lend its friendly aid in bringing it to the notice of comrades in all parts of the country in time for simultaneous compliance therewith.

III. Department commanders will use every effort to make this Order effective.

Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands Protect them as they protect us Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. Amen.

May God bless and Semper Fidelis

TEXAS VETS PAY ATTENTION!!!!

If you lived in Texas and were a legal immigrant and served in the U.S. Armed Forces you may have had some problems with Texas law and tuition waivers. Well it seems that the politicians pulled their heads out long enough to correct that error. Read up and learn, it could effect you and your future. Good Luck and God Bless

It’s Time for Vets and Military Personnel to get cracking on Home Projects

Now through May 27th Lowes and Home Depot are offering an addition 10% off purchase price to those who are or who have served our country. You have a long weekend so get those projects done cheaper. Good Luck and God Bless.

Two things to ponder. Traffic laws and old age.

Have you ever been sitting in the office, amongst the acres of cubicles, and hear some one laughing? I did the other day at Homes for Heroes. What is it about us humans that has to find out what the laughing is about? If I had heard just normal talking I would not have given it a second thought. So I get up and hunt down the source of the laughing. I see my boss and my other boss standing by the water cooler having a chat. I ask them what was so funny. They looked at me and said nothing.

Being a Ninja prepares you for these moments. That awkward silence is easily handled. I let my eyes fill up with tears and ran away. Later I regrouped and did some stealthy sniffing around to find out what had them chuckling like old busy bodies. I was successful and I will share that information with you now.

A Police Officer was out patrolling one fine afternoon and witnessed a young driver that had just rolled through a stop sign. The Officer proceeded to pull him over and when he approached the vehicle he asks the young driver why he was pulled over.

“I don’t know.”

“Young man, you did not come to a complete stop at that stop sign.”

“I did too!”

“No, you did what we call a roll through. You slowed down but did not stop.

“Yeah, well what’s the big deal, slowing down is the same thing.”

“Please step out of the car, sir.”

As soon as the young kid gets out of the car, the Police Officer pulls out his baton and starts to mercilessly beat the snot out of him. As the kid is falling to the ground in agony the Police Officer asks him.

“Should I stop or just slow down?”

An interesting perspective. The next tidbit is just as telling. Read on you won’t be disappointed.

An elderly couple had just retired and were looking forward to a lot of travel and relaxation. They decided that with the new life style change they should see the doctor for a physical check up. They made their appointments and showed up at the set date. After the check up the doctor came in to give them the results.

“Well folks, you guys are both physically fit and really have nothing that I see to be alarmed about. Enjoy your retirement. However, your memory is not as it used to be and that is normal. I suggest that the two of you carry around a small notepad and pencil and jot what you are going to do so you won’t forget.”

That same evening the two were watching television. The husband decides it is time to have a beer and gets up to go get it.

“Hon, I am going to get myself a beer, is there anything I can get you?”

“Oh, thank you. I think I would like a bowl of ice cream.”

“Sure thing, dear.” He starts towards the kitchen.

“Honey, don’t you think you should write that down like the doctor told us?”

“Naw, it’s just a bowl of ice cream and a beer. I think I can handle that.”

“Vanilla ice cream.”

Okay, one bowl of vanilla ice cream and a beer.”

“Well I would like strawberry topping on it too.”

“Hmm, one bowl of vanilla ice cream with strawberry topping and a beer. Easy.”

“And don’t forget the whipped cream!”

“Is there anything else?”

“No. Thank you dear.”

“A bowl of vanilla ice cream with strawberry topping and whip cream and for myself a nice cold beer. You see nothing to worry about.”

The husband heads off to the kitchen and is gone for a half an hour. When he returns he sits down in his chair with a plate of scrambled eggs and a cup of orange juice.

As he starts to eat, the wife gives him a disgusted look and says to him.

“WHERE’S MY &#@*ING TOAST?!?!