Most of the time, Hero’s Corner is a place of healing and companionship for area veterans, with a no-drugs-or-alcohol policy.
But owner Reginald Howard let family members use the site last weekend to celebrate a birthday, not knowing the party would include alcohol.
About 3:30 Saturday morning, fights broke out, then one guest got into her vehicle.
“What I see on the video is that she just put her car in reverse and just flooded through our front door and our second door entry into Hero’s Corner leaving seven or more people seriously injured.”
Kentwood police arrested the woman who is expected to face charges.
Howard says all but one niece and nephew are now home recovering.
“One of my nephews who suffered the most damage is in ICU. When the car hit, he was lifted into the air, and from the impact of where he landed, has a severe head injury. Part of his ear got severed.”
There’s also severe damage to the building on Eastern Avenue, with parts now unusable due to safety issues.
But Howard is determined to continue serving the veterans, working out how to cook the popular weekly chicken dinners, and putting up a tent outside.
“We have limited space, but we are open. We don't want veterans to feel like they have to sit at home.
Howard says donations toward repairs are welcome and can be made on Hero’s Corner social media
