Irv and Connie Jones from San Francisco, California, had the vision to give back to Veterans. However, the two had no idea what to do, so they began praying for God to provide them with a clear vision. That leads us to 2,300 miles away in Crane Hill, Alabama, where the nearly developed Connie’s Cottages will provide a home for veterans struggling to find adequate living space.
The first of seven tiny homes have been completed and today was certainly a perfect day to celebrate, fly the American flag, and cut a ribbon. Colonel Ken Brown was the Master of Ceremonies as the celebration began. Irv and Connie were on hand to participate in the ceremonies, with Irv giving the invocation and opening remarks. Irv said, “Connie and I wanted a way to honor veterans. You shouldn’t go to war and come home without a place to live and adequate living conditions. There is no way any of this would be possible without Colonel Ken Brown. Ken has been influential throughout the entire process.” True patriots of veterans and God, the Jones found their way to honor veterans through Connie’s Cottages.
Brown turned the podium over to Cullman County Commission Chairman Jeff Clemons. Clemons is a well-known supporter of our local veterans. “I want to thank everyone for coming to show their support for the veterans and Connie’s Cottages,” said Clemons. He thanked Irv and Connie for their generosity and the many individuals who played a role in making these homes a possibility.
Commander of Cullman’s VFW Post 2214, Brian Monk, expressed his gratitude to those who worked tirelessly to make Connie’s Cottages a dream come true. Monk’s wife Rachel is the President of the VFW Auxillary. So, not only did they build a house, Rachel and other members of the Auxillary were able to come together and completely furnish the home.
Brown went on to recognize Junior Rhodes with Walker Brothers, who were the builders of the home. “Junior was the Honcho of this project,” said Brown. Brown went on to thank Arturo Michaus from the Link of Cullman. “Arturo and his staff have been working with our first tenant, Mr. Baker, for several months. The Link has assisted Mr. Baker until we were able to get him into his home.”
Finally, Brown introduced Iraqi Freedom Veteran, United States Marine, and fellow VFW member Sean Schofield. Schofield and his wife Melinda were with this project from the beginning. In fact, Irv sponsored Schofield to travel and receive the SBG shot to help with PTDS. Sean and Melinda did a fantastic job with the landscaping also. Schofield presented Irv and Connie with a plaque as a thank you for their support to veterans. He would then present Mr. Baker with a plaque of appreciation for his service to the United States of America. Schofield and Baker closed the ceremonies by hanging the American flag in Baker’s front yard and a ribbon cutting to commemorate the day.
Cullman Daily would like to thank Irv and Connie Jones, Colonel Ken Brown, Walker Brothers, Sean, and Melinda Schofield, Brian and Rachel Monk, the Link of Cullman County, along with anyone who has played a role in bringing Connie’s Cottages to fruition. Your support for American veterans will not go unnoticed.
