Operation Opening Doors Kicks off Eighth Project in South Dakota

Operation Opening Doors, a nonprofit arm of the Associated General Contractors South Dakota Building Chapter has identified an Aberdeen man, Staff Sergeant Sean Johnson as the recipient of their eighth renovation project in South Dakota. Staff Sgt. Johnson, an ammunitions inspector with the Aberdeen-based 452nd Ordnance Company of the Army Reserve, served his country for 23 years including three deployments: Operation Desert Storm, Operation Joint Guard, and Operation Iraqi Freedom.  He most recently was bestowed the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in Iraq when a mortar exploded near him. Operation Opening Doors is the brain-child of Les Cummings, program founder and chair of the Operation Opening Doors oversight committee in Sioux Falls, who wanted to find a way to show support for the returning wounded war veterans. The goal is to open the door to more accessibility and dignity for those in need. “It is a way to take care of our heroes who have risked their lives for us. This renovation will make a world of difference in the quality of life for Sean,” commented Cummings. “The family is so thankful that that with our help they can stay in their home where the raised their children.” The program is centered on a general contractor in each project community who leads the charge in remodeling the recipient’s home to accommodate the needs of the disability. Jack Hollinsworth, President and owner of JDH Construction, Inc.  in Aberdeen, is excited to be part of the project. Having grown up with his father in the Navy, Jack knows first-hand of the risks and sacrifices a military member is faced with and the amount of time they spend away from their families. “I appreciate the dedication of our servicemen and women fighting for our freedoms and that of their family members standing beside them.  Being involved in Operation Opening Doors is just one way for me to show that appreciation and to give something back.  I know that with the help of the community we can make this project a reality for Sean and his wife Melissa.  We cannot thank our veterans enough.” The Aberdeen Operation Opening Doors committee consists of local business leaders ranging from healthcare, city government, contractors, banking, the chamber, local media, service groups and area veterans. The first phase of the project consisted of experts from this committee in the field of disabilities to perform an initial walk-through of the Johnson home and make their recommendations for construction to accommodate Sean’s disability. The next phase of the project will consist of fundraising to help offset the items needed that may not be donated or offered at a reduced price. In order for a project like this to come to fruition donations of time and talent, money and materials needs to come together.  An account has been set up at Plains Commerce Bank for those wishing to monetarily support Operation Opening Doors. In-kind donations and donations of time and talent can be directed to JDH Construction, Inc. For more information on how you can help make this project a reality contact Kellie Ecker at (605) 225-7548 or Jack Hollinsworth at (605) 725-0050.