Written by Stephanie Struyck Elgin, SCV Magazine, Tuesday, 27 March 2012 12:00 -

It’s always so heartwarming to see our community come together to lift the spirits of those near and dear, and out of tragedy…comes hope for a brighter future. Canyon Country resident, Shayna Richards remembers her husband, fondly.  Army Sergeant Timothy Smith served with the 4th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division.

He was a combat engineer who drove the lead vehicles for convoys during missions to search for improvised explosive devices.  In other words, if there were to be a roadside bomb, Sergeant Smith’s life would be the first one at stake, and while driving one of the lead vehicles, Sergeant Smith paid the ultimate price.  He left behind his wife, Shayna and 22-month-old Riley.  He was also awarded The Bronze Star and Purple Heart. While Riley was nearly two when his father died, they only lived together for four of those months due to his deployment as well as being stationed out of state.  Being a young widow, a single mother and a full time student at College of the Canyons, coupled with grieving over the loss of her husband, has been overwhelming. The COC Veteran’s Affairs office contacted Shayna, stating the SCV Habitat for Heroes wanted to help her and show Shayna and Riley how much people in our community appreciate Sergeant Smith’s service and sacrifice by preparing the home for new interior paint and minor repairs. The program is an effort by Habitat for Humanity San Fernando/Santa Clarita Valleys (SF/SCV) in partnership with local community and business leaders, nonprofit organizations, and others.  SCV Habitat for Heroes is focused on ensuring veterans are supported through home modifications, education, and supportive services that will help prevent them from common house-related problems that civilian veterans face.  While SCV Habitat for Heroes would like to eventually assist veterans with the purchase of their home, they are moving forward with the Brush with Kindness program, where Habitat for Humanity volunteers help paint, make repairs, provide landscaping and weatherize the homes of veterans. For more information about SCV Habitat for Heroes, go to www.HabitatSCV.org or call 818-884-8808.

Photo by Gabie Cardenas