Last year Officer Mike Flamion was shot while on duty at a routine traffic stop, leaving him paralyzed for the rest of his life. Joe and I decided that we wanted to help Officer Flamion in some way. It wasn’t until The Gary Sinise Foundation announced that they were building a smart home for Officer Flamion and his wife that we knew what we could do. We immediately applied to donate the plumbing in the home. Out of a number of other great companies, who also wanted to donate their time, we were lucky to have been chosen to complete the work.
Being part of this build has 
really been amazing, from learning about what Officer Flamion has been through in the last year, to getting to work with so many wonderful companies and individuals who have given their time and energy to make this home a reality.
When we started this project it began as giving back to Office Flamion but now half way through I have begun to realize how much we have also gotten out of it. At every turn we have been inspired by our subcontractors, suppliers, employees, and customers who have come forward to ask how they can help. Many have donated materials, money, and time. We are part of a community of people who have stepped up to give back and it makes me really happy and 
proud to be a part of Ballwin.
One way that I have continued to urge people to give is by contributing to the “Buy a Brick” Program. An American flag proudly soars in front of every home The Gary Sinise Foundation builds. The bricks that form the flagpole base are customizable with your message of gratitude. Together, these bricks form a lasting tribute to the sacrifices our heroes have made. You can either print the form below or go to www.garysinisefoundation.org/blog/article/buy-brick to fill out the form.
-Megan Kokesh
