What HOA???
This is the city code enforcement harrassing him.
Anyway, all he has to do is fix it as time allows, stop in on the evening council meeting at city hall and request a dismissal. With the news article and his Iraq service they'll drop the fines.
It seems like that means,, kiss the ass of the thugs to regain some of his rights. And depend on his past service and publicity to give him an edge with them that others do not enjoy.
The tyranny of our neighbors is the fastest growing threat to what is left of our liberty and rights.