Brighton Students Prepare to Help Injured Vet Build New Home

Students from the Brighton Bridge Alternative High School have been busy for weeks, working to raise money and support for one local soldier. 

Army Sgt. Nick Koulchar was injured in 2008 while serving in Iraq. The Brighton resident and Army veteran lost both of his legs after an Explosive Formed Penetrator (EFP) tore through his truck.

After being saved by his platoon and airlifted to safety, the young soldier spend two weeks in a coma and then two and half years recovering from his injuries in Germany.

On Saturday, Oct. 19, volunteers, including a dozen Bridge students, will spend their day at the groundbreaking ceremony for Koulchar, which will begin the process of building a new home thanks to the non-profit organization Homes for Our Troops.

"He served and almost lost his life," said Bridge student and president of the peer leadership group Josh Amburgey. "It's very important for us to say thank you to someone who put their life on the line for our freedoms."

The groundbreaking ceremony will take place at Lot 27 Grayhaven Rd. in Brighton starting at 11 a.m. Volunteers are needed from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Helping to organize the school's effort, teacher Nadine Clark said the project was a wonderful opportunity and a "great way to make an impact" so close to home.

"Colleen Deaven (principal of Bridge High School), really wanted us to jump in and get involved in this," Clark said. 

Along with school fundraisers such as bake sales, penny jars and raffles, the students are hoping to collect as much money as they can from their own school to add to the donations.

As the building of the house continues for Koulchar and his wife, Amburgey and Clark both say they plan on Bridge students participating in future volunteer efforts for the family.

According to his page on the Homes for Our Troops website, when asked what he would like to say to those who support the Homes for Our Troops mission, Koulchar responded, “No matter how big or how small the contribution is, it shows that you care and that makes all the difference to those of us who return home requiring assistance. Thank you.”

For more information, or to register to volunteer, contact Community Outreach Coordinator, Autumn Hotaling at ahotaling@hfotusa.org.