American Solar Direct Inc. (ASD) partners with Homes for Our Troops (HFOT) to install free solar energy systems on homes built by HFOT and donated to three of the most severely wounded Veterans living in California.

“From the moment our employees first heard about the chance to give back to one of our most critically injured Veterans, we quickly realized this was a program that must be expanded to others in the same situation,” said Brennan Mulcahy, ASD’s Chief Executive Officer. “These Veterans paid dearly to defend the United States of America. We are proud to embark upon this partnership with Homes for Our Troops to supply free solar systems to our wounded warriors.”

Major General (USA, Retired) Timothy P. McHale, President/CEO of Homes for Our Troops, commented, “Having partnerships like this is crucial in allowing us to return the gift of freedom and independence that these Heroes fought so bravely to protect.”

American Solar Direct has been looking to support an organization that is aligned with the company’s focus on serving the public. HFOT is in the planning stages to deliver these specially designed residences for more severely wounded Veterans living in California and American Solar Direct is a proud supporter of this effort.

The partnership was inspired by ASD’s efforts during the last Fourth of July weekend to provide a free rooftop solar system to Sgt. Odin Ayala. Sgt. Ayala was on his third deployment to Afghanistan when, on Sept. 14, 2011, he stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED). The blast caused him significant physical injury and he underwent years of treatment and rehabilitation in a quest for an independent lifestyle.

“Sgt. Ayala’s story touched everyone’s hearts at American Solar Direct. Employees recognized we had a chance to offer a lasting contribution and somehow give back to a person who lost so much protecting our freedom,” said ASD’s Chief Operational Officer Andrew Schneider. “Today, our ongoing support of HFOT will allow us to extend our gratitude by helping other Veterans in these challenging situations. A free solar system will go a long way to reducing the operating costs of a Veteran’s home.”