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By RAELYNN RICARTE

News staff writer

“One thousand, one hundred and fifty nails in the wall …” sang Michael Stenberg as he labored Saturday on the new home of Ssgt. Christian Bagge.

Stenberg, like dozens of other construction workers, had volunteered to participate in a three-day Build Brigade at 4025 Nastasi Drive in Parkdale.

“I heard about it and it was just one of those things that, of course, you are going to do,” said Stenberg, who resides in Hood River. 

John Gonzalves, founder of Homes For Our Troops, had challenged the community to “pay it forward” and help build a customized home for Bagge.

The Oregon National Guard soldier lost his legs following a roadside bomb blast during a 2005 patrol in Iraq. The new home planned by HFOT will have living space that accommodates a wheelchair.

“The war might not be on the front pages but we need to keep it on our internal front pages,” said Gonzalves at Friday’s opening ceremony.

“It takes a country to build homes for our severely injured veterans; it takes America to do this.”

Gonzalves said about 1,000 homes are needed to meet the needs of disabled veterans from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

 “If we do not take care of our troops, we’ll fail them as we failed the Vietnam generation. We need to not let history repeat itself,” said Gonzalves.

His organization partnered with Advantis Credit Union of Portland to finance the home for Bagge, the first HFOT project in Oregon. The financial institution is also raising money for the September Build Brigade in Sandy to benefit Army Spec. Kevin Pannell, also a double amputee.

Bagge told the crowd of dignitaries, construction workers, emergency responders and community members Aug. 27 that he did not consider himself to be disabled.

“I really hate that word because I don’t put limitations on myself. It is hard to live with the injuries that I have — it’s terrible — but we’re going to keep moving ahead,” he said.

He credited the dedication and sacrifice of his wife, Melissa, for helping him adjust physically and mentally to his new mobility challenges.

The Bagge family now includes 3-year-old son Noah and 10-week-old daughter Brynne.

Noah was given a Junior Firefighter badge before being transported Friday to the ceremony via a fire engine.

The Parkdale Fire Department had organized a processional from its home station to the property off Highway 35 in honor of the Bagges. The Patriot Guard Riders, and other motorcycle groups, joined the parade, as did firefighters from Odell, West Side, Hood River and Pine Grove.

The event also drew political candidates, who took the podium to welcome the Bagges to a new community. Christian and Melissa were both born and raised in Wasco County, where they now reside.

Speaking at the ceremony were House District 52 Rep. Suzanne VanOrman, District 3 County Commissioner Chuck Thomsen, a candidate for the Senate District 26 seat, and his challenger, House District 51 Rep. Brent Barton.

Mark Johnson, a general contractor who is vying for VanOrman’s position, was the only candidate to donate time to the cause.

Johnson is the father of Army 1st Lt. Nolan Johnson, who is currently deployed to Iraq. He said it was reassuring to know that organizations such as HFOT existed to help members of the military during a time of need.

“This is just the all-American story; people helping each other out,” he said.

Kase Limmeroth, who volunteered to head the Bagge project, kept his speech “short and sweet.”

“I’m ready to build a house; how about you guys?” he asked the construction crew.

After a round of applause, the professional builders helped community members raise the first two walls on the 2,600-square-foot structure. The Bagges had been permitted to choose from among four floor plans and had selected a four-bedroom design.

Joining the construction crew was Ken Newman, of Hood River, and many of his family members.

“I read the story about the Bagges and called everyone to tell them that we needed to get involved in this project,” he said.

His brother, Paul Newman, who was quick to point out that he was not a movie star, caught a plane from San Jose, Calif. Brother Jim Newman drove to Parkdale from Pasco, Wash.

Parents Jesse and Paula Newman came from Dallesport, Wash., and other relatives from West Linn and Olympia, Wash.

For three days, the 11 Newmans and other volunteers labored to complete the exterior of the home.

The complicated roof line required more attention than HFOT had originally planned. For that reason, the roof was only partially finished when the Build Brigade came to an end on Sunday evening.

Kase Construction workers were on the scene Monday morning to finish laying the shingles that are guaranteed to last 100 years.

Gonzalves said the interior of the house is expected to be completed within 60-90 days. If weather permits, a community landscaping party will then take place.

The Bagges will receive the keys to their new home in another ceremony organized by HFOT.