Homes for Our Troops Appoints Sergeant Major of the Army Kenneth O. Preston to its Board of Directors

TAUNTON, Mass., Oct. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Homes for Our Troops (www.homesforourtroops.org), a national non-profit organization dedicated to building specially adapted homes for severely injured veterans, is extremely pleased to announce the appointment of Sergeant Major of the Army Kenneth O. Preston (Ret.) to the Board of Directors. The move will strengthen the leadership team, enabling the organization to fulfill the commitment to build 100 More…Homes for Our Troops within the next three years.

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As Sergeant Major of the Army, Preston served as the Army Chief of Staff's personal adviser on all enlisted-related matters, particularly in areas affecting soldier training and quality of life. He devoted the majority of his time to traveling throughout the Army observing training, and speaking with soldiers and their families. He sits on a wide variety of councils and boards that make decisions affecting enlisted soldiers and their families and has routinely testified before Congress. The longest serving Sergeant Major of the Army, Preston retired March 1, 2011.

"We are honored [SMA Preston] has agreed to play an active part in advancing the mission of Homes for Our Troops. His experience and leadership will play a pivotal role in preparing this organization to continue the successes of the past seven years," said John S. Gonsalves, President and Founder of Homes for Our Troops. "This appointment will help ensure Homes for Our Troops is well positioned to capitalize on the significant strengths and opportunities available as we build for the future and continue restoring freedom and independence to our severely injured service members."

During his 35-year career, he served in every enlisted leadership position from cavalry scout and tank commander to his position as Sergeant Major of the Army. Other assignments he held as command sergeant major were 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas, 3rd "Grey Wolf" Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, 1st Armored Division in Bad Kreuznach, Germany, and V Corps in Heidelberg, Germany. Immediately prior to his appointment as Sergeant Major of the Army, he was the command sergeant major of Combined Joint Task Force 7 serving in Baghdad, Iraq.

Among honors received during his career include the Army Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star. He served in Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

About Homes for Our Troops: Homes for Our Troops is a national non-profit 501(c)3 organization based in Taunton, Mass. founded by John Gonsalves in 2004. Homes for Our Troops mission is to build specially adapted homes for service members who have been severely injured in combat operations since September 11, 2001. All homes are built at no cost to the veteran through the generous support of individuals, foundations, and corporate contributors. Homes for Our Troops has received a Four Star Rating from Charity Navigator.

SOURCE Homes for Our Troops