Lee Erwin Reporting
news@clarksvillenow.com
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – It was a busy time at the home of Todd and Cathy Shaw along with three of their five children in Clarksville Tuesday, July 1 as volunteer workers made repairs and modifications inside and outside the house.
Clarksville is proud to be the home of the couple who are one of only two Purple Heart Medal recipient married couples in the nation. Together the two have spent a total of 25 years in the Army.
The renovation of their home at 221 Shiloh Road is part of the Sears Heroes at Home program and the Shaw’s home marks the 1,500th rebuild in America. Their home was damaged by two tornadoes in 2009 and some repairs have been going on for the past five years.
Volunteers were working Tuesday on a ramp at the front of the house for Todd Shaw who spends part time in a wheelchair after surgeries and says he has trouble with stairs and he says he falls at least once a week on stairs around the home.
Other improvements on the home include railings on the stairs in the house, remodeling of the downstairs bathroom, replacement of the flooring in the kitchen and downstairs and new appliances provided by Sears.
Todd Shaw was injured during the invasion of Iraq in 2003 and returned in 2006 when he was struck by an explosion which left him with major back injuries. Cathy Shaw was also injured in an explosion in 2006 which left her with back, arm and leg injuries.
Cathy Shaw talked about her feelings about all of the support they are receiving. “We’re overwhelmed but it’s a good overwhelmed because we have been completely blessed with everything they are doing to our home. Not only are they repairing it, they are handicap accessing it,” said Shaw.