Clingman Family Update

Recently, we shared an update on the Carrington House projects that are currently in the pipeline. This time, we’d like to tell you the story of one of the Veterans we’re building a home for: Staff Sergeant Jesse Clingman.

Jesse spent a decade in service in the U.S. Army as an Artillery 13 Foxtrot, an Army military occupational specialty that involves calling in and providing support to ground troops using artillery fire, mortar fire, air support, attack aviation, naval gunfire and long-range missiles. He served in Kosovo and was later deployed to Afghanistan, where he served as a task force COLT Chief (Combat Observation Laser Team), and spent time in service in Iraq.

It was in Iraq that Jesse’s military service nearly came to a tragic end during the early hours of May 27, 2007. While on security detail, delivering and escorting supplies to local army bases, his convoy vehicle was struck by two separate explosive devices. As a result of the attack, Jesse lost his left leg and, despite severe nerve damage, medics were able to save his left arm. Jesse has since medically retired from the military and spends his time coaching youth Pop Warner football and giving stirring, inspiring speeches at local schools each year on Veterans Day. He also continues to train as a martial artist – a passion he’s pursued since he was California State Gold Medalist in Taekwondo in the 1996 Junior Olympics.

Unfortunately, the Clingman family home was destroyed by a flood – and when Carrington House first met with Jesse and his family, they were living in a trailer on the property. We’ve since relocated them into a three-bedroom house, and provided them with rental assistance while their home is under construction. Their new home is currently in the planning stages, but will offer a completely accessible design to meet Jesse’s needs. With wider doorways, ramps, zero-threshold showers and home automation features, Jesse will have lots of support to get around and live comfortably.

The Clingmans say they were thrilled to learn they’d been accepted into the Carrington House program, and we’re excited to move them into their new home in the coming year! We’ll be sure to keep you updated on the home’s progress, and updates on how the Clingmans are doing as they wait to move in.