A New Beginning for Veteran Family with Homes for Heroes

Rosa Sherwood felt overwhelmed with emotion as she entered her new home on Thursday. The sight of a new dishwasher brought her joy. “I’m officially not the dishwasher anymore,” Rosa exclaimed, “The dishwasher is going to be my favorite.” For her husband Shawn, placing his pitcher of sweet tea in the refrigerator confirmed their new reality. “Now it’s my home,” he remarked.

The Sherwoods, including their four daughters, received the Portage home through Homes for Heroes, a program aiding veterans and first responders. Shawn previously served as a petty officer first class in the U.S. Navy. His military journey includes witnessing Osama bin Laden’s body transport and serving on the USS Enterprise—a Navy ship, not from Star Trek.

In 2011, during operations in Afghanistan, a rocket attack severely affected Shawn. A missile explosion resulted in permanent conditions, including bilateral sciatica, traumatic brain injury, PTSD, tinnitus, and low-level hearing loss. Concerning his health, Shawn remarked, “My back was so messed up” and explained his need for movement due to pain.

During an event celebrating their new home on Thursday, June 25, 2026, Shawn and Rosa Sherwood were recognized by the Building Homes for Heroes program. Shawn has a blue Doberman service dog named Mac, while Rosa, legally blind, relies on Daisy, a German shepherd. Thoughtfully, Homes for Heroes left a jar of dog biscuits in their home.

Director of Construction Rusty Smallwood highlighted Homes for Heroes’ impact. Over 465 homes have been renovated, modified, or built over 20 years with a goal to reach 500 by Christmas. Earlier that week, another home was donated in Mokena, Illinois. Smallwood emphasized the importance of these homes for veterans to establish roots post-military career, saying, “These homes are necessary to give them that start that they so deserve.”

JP Morgan Chase donated the Sherwoods’ house. Vice President Ernie Shanders welcomed the family, expressing the significance of homeownership for stability and long-term financial health. JP Morgan Chase previously reached a goal of donating 1,000 homes to veterans.

Shawn expressed gratitude for their new home, describing it as a “forever home” while acknowledging past circumstances that delayed homeownership. He praised contributions from the community, including materials and labor donations from Lowe’s.

Sharon Paige, manager at Lowe’s Michigan City, assisted in finishing touches such as mailbox installation and deck preparation. Paige recalled Shawn as a respectful gentleman when they were classmates.

Shawn anticipates enjoyment in using his new deck and grill. Meanwhile, Gabby Sherwood, 15, chose her bedroom among the spacious options upstairs for the two eldest sisters. Prior to moving into their new residence, the family lived temporarily at Rosa’s mother’s house.

As moving day approached, Rosa aimed for a swift transition to their new home. Shawn reflected on skepticism during construction, not initially believing in the reality of the generous donation. The home’s worth was estimated between $250,000 and $300,000.

Contractor George Eizenga worked on improvements for both the Portage and Mokena properties, restoring the Portage home’s exterior and interior after a long period of vacancy.

Shawn’s military service included roles as a fireman and builder first class in the Navy, contributing to significant engineering and construction projects over 18 plus years before his honorable discharge in 2014. Recently, Chesterton High School hired him as a construction trades teacher.