*Article from Greet Ridgefield‘s May 2026 issue.”
Written by: Amanda Caraway
For the past seven years, Bobby Cederholm has used his skills and connections as a Real Estate Agent to help local heroes fulfill the American dream of homeownership. From veterans to civil servants, such as police officers, Cederholm works with Timmy Ostrom, Branch Manager at Fairway Homes, to help heroes navigate the home-buying process. “A lot of veterans and active duty service members don’t know how to use their benefits,” said Cederholm. “I want to help them understand how VA loans work. Many don’t realize they can use their loan benefits more than once, to purchase a second home after selling their first.”
As an Air Force Air Traffic Controller Veteran, Cederholm learned how to navigate various benefits, including the GI Bill, which helped him attend college. The informal program started by Cederholm and Ostrom became the official Local Heroes in 2023. “Over the years, Bobby has helped more than 30 heroes in the Ridgefield area purchase a home,” said Ostrom. One such hero is Active Duty Security Forces Airman Josh Lommasson, stationed at the Portland Guard Base, who purchased his first home in Salmon Creek last year. Not only do Cederholm and Ostrom help heroes navigate the process, but they also use part of their commission to provide additional assistance, such as installing a fence or purchasing an appliance package.
In addition to service members and police officers, Local Heroes also helps teachers, nurses, and other local heroes purchase a home. “Many vendors, including inspectors and cleaners, are also usually willing to provide discounts and additional services for local heroes,” said Cederholm. “The program just keeps growing as more and more people are willing to help others for a good cause.” Homes for Heroes usually finds locals who need assistance purchasing homes through referrals. If you know a local hero who could benefit from the program, visit www.localheroesusa.com, call 866-768-1303, or email [email protected].
