ACF, Inc. Helps
Homes for our Troops
ACF Donates Generac Generators to ALL Homes for our Troops recipients in Florida
One out of every ten veterans alive today was seriously injured at some point while serving in the military, and three-quarters of those injuries occurred in combat. When our heroes return home, life doesn’t return to normal. There are a lot of adjustments that need to be made, including how the soldier will fit into the household routine. For those who return with injuries, that can become even more complicated. According to Homes For Our Troops (HFOT), there are over 1000 severely injured veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars in need of specially adapted homes.
See More of Stephen’s Story Here
“Generac has the reputation for being the most reliable
and effective generator in the country. My personal
connection with a Generac dealer representative through
a family member at ACF Standy by Systems lets us know
that we’re in good hands and privileged to be receiving a
Generac generator.”
Andy Young (ACF Inc., President) said other generator dealers and distributors should consider donating a generator to a cause like HFOT, and that it was a humbling experience for him. “It is our honor, it is our duty, to take care of those who have taken care of us,” he said. “Freedom it’s free and these brave veterans proved it on the front line. Our company, our employees and our families owe them and what a better way to show them by providing a piece of what we do, backup power!”
“As an amputee, I am using my prosthetic when I am out running errands or at events, but most of my time at home is spent in my wheelchair,” said Army Specialist Stephen Peterson. “With the use of my wheelchair, my current living environment can become an obstacle. Narrow doorways, carpet, high shelving, stand-up shower and overall safety make daily routine difficult.”
HFOT is a nonprofit organization that builds and donates specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans, to enable them to rebuild their lives. Each specially adapted custom home is equipped with over 40 major special adaption and exceeds ADA compliancy standards. These adaptations include wider halls and doorways, automatic door openers, roll under sink and counters, pull-down shelving and more. One other vital piece of equipment included in the build is a generator.
While designing the home, HFOT needed to keep in mind Peterson’s physical challenges. However, they also needed to keep in mind Florida’s unpredictable weather. Florida is a frequent victim of heavy storms and hurricanes throughout the year. During these storms, the power will often go out and not turn back on for long periods of time. “During hurricane season, this can take days or weeks. It can be hard for me to stay elsewhere comfortably.” Peterson said that is why it was important for his new home to have backup power and why he needed a generator.
To guarantee reliable power, HFOT reached out to ACF, a Generac Industrial Power dealer, for help. “We have been involved in HFOT for a few years,” said Andrew Young, president, ACF, Inc. “Many of the veterans have ongoing medical issues and power is essential. Their need for a backup generator is a must. At a minimum, this gives them peace of mind, especially during storms and hot summer months knowing their air conditioner and other electrical devices will operate.”
Based on Peterson’s needs, the entire home needed access to backup power, so Young and ACF donated a Generac Guardian 22 kW, propane generator with a Generac transfer switch. “Generac is the largest and most reliable home standby generator manufacturer on the market,” he said. “The homeowner can be assured all essential systems will continue to operate in the event of a power outage.” Young said ACF Standby Systems fully supports our armed services and many employees are part of the extended military family. Young said it is important for them to give back to those who preserve our freedoms and enable us to live and succeed as employees and employers.
“ACF Standby Systems is proud to partner with organizations that allow us to give time, effort and treasure to great causes that use resources responsible. HFOT fits with the values of ACF Standby Systems. Over 90% of the donation go to the troops which is top tier.”
Generac’s 22 kW generator is one of the most powerful air-cooled generators on the market today. The Guardian Series 22 kW automatic home standby generator can provide whole-house backup power. A permanently installed home backup generator protects the home automatically. Based on fuel availability, this particular unit runs off liquid propane fuel and sits outside just like a central air conditioning unit. Now when the power goes out, the home will be protected, something Peterson said he is grateful for. “A Generac generator in my home gives me peace of mind during storms or power outages that my family will have power and safety,” he said.
