‘Heroes of Habitat’ carries legacy of military son

Posted on May 31, 2022

*The Dickerson family, consisting of mother Sandra and her two children, are the ones who will call this their new home once it’s finished. (Photo courtesy HOI ABC)*

BLOOMINGTON – A McLean county family will have a new home to celebrate Christmas in this year, while honoring a soldier’s ultimate sacrifice.

The ‘Heroes’ of Habitat’ program through McLean County Habitat for Humanity held its first groundbreaking for the build season Saturday. The program works to build homes as a way to eliminate local unaffordable housing. This particular home honors Army Sergeant Anthony Maddox, who was killed in action while serving in Afghanistan in 2013.

The Maddox family says they’re honored Anthony’s name and sacrifice will live on in way that shows support for the community.

“We just feel grateful,” says Anthony’s father Jerome Maddox, “just grateful and honored that the community in general has come out to support this, and then for a family within the community that is going to be living in this house, his name will live on.”

The Dickerson family, consisting of mother Sandra and her two children, are the ones who will call this their new home once it’s finished. Sandra says she’s privileged to receive the chance to not just get a new house, but one that honors the memory of a fallen hero.

“Anything can happen,” says Sandra, “all you have to do is believe, believe in the community and teaching others and teaching my children to give back to others and help make a difference.”

The Dickerson family will work with Habitat to build their new home. That consists of 250 ‘sweat equity’ hours during the construction process, with the goal of completion by the end of the year.

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