Peggy is a 48-year-old veteran who served with the Air Force from 1993 to 2003, during the Gulf War and post-9/11 era. During her time in the Air Force, Peggy worked in education, training and maintenance. Her job was to ensure maintenance techs had the proper certifications to conduct repairs and maintenance on aircrafts. Unfortunately, Peggy struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder related to her service.

These days, Peggy spends much of her time playing guitar. She is the chapter lead for the Omaha branch of the non-profit Guitars for Vets, a program designed to teach musical skills to veterans suffering from PTSD and other disabilities. Peggy’s chapter has graduated 100 veterans from the program, as of December 2021. Peggy also leads donation drives to gather supplies for homeless veterans and advocates for those suffering from PTSD.

Peggy has lived in her home since 2000, and the roof has fallen into disrepair. She was initially resistant to participate in the Veterans Repair Corps Program because she did not want to take anything away from other veterans who may need the help more than she does. Eventually, she agreed to work with Habitat to make repairs to her roof and windows.

Thanks to The Home Depot Foundation and the Veterans Housing Rehabilitation and Modification Pilot Program, Peggy’s home is safe and comfortable, and she no longer worries about her roof leaking or her windows letting in the elements.

Peggy’s personal motto is “everybody can do something, no matter how big or small, to help others.” Volunteers and employees from Habitat Omaha were honored to help Peggy repair her home, as she does so much to help her fellow veterans. “My passion is encouraging people who are hurting,” Peggy says, “and helping them find a way back to gaining a more positive and productive life.”