Josh with a fellow Marine in Iraq

Josh & his fiancee Heather

Josh outside the Hospital

USMC Cpl Joshua Hoffman left for Iraq in September, 2006 for his 3rd tour of duty overseas at a solid 210 pounds of muscle. Today, Josh is a staggering 135 pounds, unable to move anything below his shoulders. On January 6, 2007 Josh was on patrol in the streets of Fallujah, Iraq when a man with a rocket propelled grenade appeared in their line of sight. Josh was shot in the neck, and was unable to move, due to his severed spinal cord at the base of his neck.

My name is Becky Shingledecker and I am from Centreville, MI. I have decided to train to run marathons (Chicago and hopefully Boston) to get the word out about soldiers like Josh and this organization as well as to raise funds to build these heroes a home! I come from a proud military veteran background including my husband, and grandfathers; one was a disabled Korean War vet and the other was a two time recipient of the Purple Heart while serving in World War II, so I understand service to our country. I have a challenge ahead of me, but nothing compared to Josh and the other heroes of our military. Will you please allow me to come and speak to your group about this worthy cause? I have a 12 minute video I will bring to further explain what we are trying to do. I am sure that once you know more about this you will become as passionate about it as I am. Please help me as I run to bring them home.

Please call to set up a time for me to meet with you. I may be contacted at: 269-625-2808 or by email at
rbshingledecker@yahoo.com.
I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Sincerely,
Becky Shingledecker
My website on: www.homesforourtroops.org