Homes for Our Troops and Horizon Solar Power Present New Solar Powered Home to Wounded Veteran

CPL Christopher Van Etten gifted with new Temecula home and celebrated during community Key Ceremony presentation.

Corporal Christopher Van Etten

Horizon Solar Power (Horizon), a Sungevity company and premier designer and installer of residential and commercial solar systems, recently joined Homes For Our Troops to present a new solar-powered home to a local wounded Veteran. A privately funded 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Homes For Our Troops builds and donates specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans. The homes restore some of the freedom and independence our Veterans sacrificed while defending our country, and enable them to focus on their family, recovery and rebuilding their lives. The project was completed in support of Horizon’s Acts of Sunshine initiative, a corporate social responsibility program singularly dedicated to giving back to our communities through strategic partnerships with local businesses and nonprofit organizations. As part of the homebuilding project, Horizon installed a free solar energy system, providing Marine Corporal Christopher Van Etten and his wife immediate and long-term savings on their electricity bills while increasing the value of their new home. The Temecula, California home was formally presented to Corporal Van Etten on Sept. 30 as part of a community Key Ceremony.

In 2012, Marine Corporal Christopher Van Etten was on his second deployment serving as an Infantryman with the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines in Sangin, Afghanistan. Near midnight on June 13, Corporal Van Etten and his unit were breaking down their observation post when a squad member was injured by an improvised explosive device (IED). While assisting with the evacuation and helping his comrade onto the helicopter, Corporal Van Etten stepped on another IED. The blast resulted in the loss of both of his legs. Christopher was able to make an impressive recovery and was released from the hospital just three weeks after his injury. Two months following his injury, he was walking on prosthetics.

On behalf of everyone at Horizon Solar Power, it's an absolute honor to play a part in this incredible project. We're inspired by the tremendous sacrifices of our Veterans and grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the life of Corporal Van Etten.

Brian Hobbs, Chief Financial Officer - Horizon Solar Power

“On behalf of everyone at Horizon Solar Power, it’s an absolute honor to play a part in this incredible project. We’re inspired by the tremendous sacrifices of our Veterans and grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the life of Corporal Van Etten,” stated Brian Hobbs, Horizon’s Chief Financial Officer. Frank Kneller, Horizon’s Chief Executive Officer added, “Veterans such as Corporal Van Etten have given the ultimate sacrifice. We hope the building of this home, and others like it, provide the necessary awareness in our communities to promote long-term support to all Veterans.”

Homes For Our Troops President & CEO Tom Landwermeyer stated, “This home serves as a catalyst for Corporal Van Etten to begin rebuilding his life. Horizon Solar Power’s generous donation will greatly decrease utility costs, reducing financial strain for Christopher and his wife, so they can save more for their future. Homes For Our Troops is grateful for their support.” Acknowledging the donation, Corporal Van Etten stated, “Thank you Horizon Solar Power! Not only for donating, but for also giving us peace of mind.”

Visit www.hfotusa.org/vanetten to learn more about Homes For Our Troops and Corporal Van Etten’s story. To learn about Acts of Sunshine and how your organization can become a program partner, visit www.ActsofSunshine.com. For more information on the benefits of solar power, go to www.HorizonSolarPower.com.

Media Contacts:

Frank Kneller
Horizon Solar Power
Tel: +1 951.390.2756
frank@horizonsolarpower.com

Brian Fallers
Muse Marketing + Creative
Tel: +1 302.559.6431
brian@musemc.com

About Horizon Solar Power | Since 2008, Horizon Solar Power (Horizon) has served as a premier designer and installer of residential and commercial solar systems in California. Rated an A+ by the Better Business Bureau and a recipient of the 2017 Frost & Sullivan Customer Service Leadership Award, Horizon specializes in providing customized solar systems that precisely fit its customer’s home, energy and savings goals. Recently merged with Solar Spectrum under the umbrella of the Sungevity brand, the company has grown to be one of the region’s most trusted solar installers through its passionate commitment to providing industry-leading energy savings, customer-centric solar solutions and exemplary service and care. To learn more visit www.HorizonSolarPower.com.

About Acts of Sunshine | Acts of Sunshine is a Horizon Solar Power corporate social responsibility program singularly dedicated to giving back to our nation’s communities through strategic partnerships with local businesses and nonprofit organizations. Powered through the voluntary spirit of Horizon’s employees, the program promotes the use of clean, renewable electricity and energy efficiency with a vision of a more environmentally and economically rich California and nation. Visit www.ActsofSunshine.com to learn more.

About Homes For Our Troops | Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) is a privately funded 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that builds and donates specially adapted custom homes nationwide to severely injured Post-9/11 Veterans. Most of these Veterans have sustained life-altering injuries including multiple limb amputations, partial or full paralysis, and/or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). These homes restore some of the freedom and independence our Veterans sacrificed while defending our country, and enable them to focus on their family, recovery, and rebuilding their lives. HFOT builds these homes where the Veteran chooses to live, and continues its relationship with the Veterans after home delivery to assist them with rebuilding their lives. Since its inception in 2004, nearly 90 percent of donations to Homes For Our Troops have gone directly to our program services supporting Veterans. For more information, visit www.hfotusa.org.

Source: Horizon Solar Power

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