Monday Jul 31, 2017
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM EDT
Monday, July 31st
5:30pm-7:00pm
Lithia Ridge Community
Lithia Ridge Blvd
Valrico, FL 33596
Members of the Lithia Ridge Community will gather with flags in the front of our complex and line our streets to welcome home Sgt Katie Thomas after she has spent more than 3 years in the Tampa, FL VA Hospital. Katie was medically retired from the Army in January of 2016 after sustaining an Anoxic Brain Injury two years earlier. She has been in the Tampa VA hospital since April 2014. Kathy Powers, her mother, has moved from friends and family in Tennessee to live locally here in FL to become her full time caregiver. Kathy bought a home in Valrico, FL, and has been waiting on modifications so that Katie could have a home when she was discharged. We invite neighboring communities, and local businesses to join us in her homecoming.
Katie has an anoxic brain injury from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning and will need 24/7 care for the rest of her life. She is considered minimally conscious. She cannot eat, speak, walk, or sit up on her own. Katie gave 9 years to the Army. She's come a long way but will continue to need total care. She is 29 now.
And Katie smiles! 😁
Community residents, in conjunction with Katie's mom Kathy, are already working with local Law Enforcement for community parking and motorcade assistance from the VA hospital. Local News Teams are also being contacted for the event.
Katie graduated from high school in 2008 and joined the Army. She and her boyfriend were both in the Army and stationed in Hawaii in 2014. On March 8th, they went mudding in her new, hard top Jeep and it happened to be raining so the windows were closed. The tailpipe filled with mud. Both were found unconscious due to carbon monoxide poisoning. Her boyfriend, Chris did not make it. Chris was a decorated officer who did several tours in Afghanistan.
A Welcome Home sign and flags will be at the house.
The community of Lithia Ridge Valrico plans on lining our community's street from Lithia Pinecrest Road to Katie's house with people waving flags.
Donations will also be put towards gift cards for Kathy to get things needed for the house for Katie.
Please join us to welcome Katie and Kathy to their new home and community!
Please go to "Sgt. Katie's Warriors" on FB for her story and updates.
https://www.facebook.com/
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