Waukesha Projects

Philip was an army specialist for 4 years and 10 months as an infantryman and a gunner. He has lost several soldiers, including his Captain. Philip was awarded numerous accommodations such as: Good Conduct Medal, Achievement Medals, Army Commendations, NATO Medals, and many more. He served two tours of duties in Afghanistan. Philip was shot three times during a firefight and was ejected from a vehicle from an IED Blast resulting in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), PTSD, and leg and spine issues.

He is currently a student working towards a degree in Mechanical Design. His wife, Chenoah, is a student at Colorado University studying for a business degree and is on the President’s list with a 3.8 GPA. She will be transferring to UW to get a graduate degree in economics.

They have an 8-year-old son named Jonah. They are a young, well-grounded family with a strong work ethic and Philip’s service, achievements, and injuries make him an excellent recipient for an Operation FINALLY HOME house, as he will be able to continue with his education without worrying about a home. His new home will be in Dunbar Oaks in the City of Waukesha.

U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Mario “Joe” Davis, a Kansas native, felt a calling to serve following the September 11 attacks. He served in three deployments, once to Afghanistan from 2003–2004 and twice to Iraq in 2005–2006 and 2008–2009.

Davis met his wife, Carissa, while stationed in Fort Wainwright, Alaska, in 2007. They married later that year, as Davis was preparing for what would be his third and final deployment.

In 2009, the family moved to Fort Benning, Ga., where Davis began to show signs of loss of balance, strength, and movement on his left side. At just 28-years-old, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, which doctors believe was a direct result of the traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder he endured while in service. He medically retired in 2013 after 11 years of service. Davis received numerous medals and commendations during his time in the Army, including the Combat Infantryman Badge and Army Commendation Medal.

Davis, Carissa and their three children now live in Waukesha. Davis received his bachelor’s degree this past fall and would like to pursue a career in the criminal justice field. Carissa serves as her husband’s fulltime caregiver, but also has ambitions of starting a home-based bakery business.