Late in October, Coming Home and CalAtlantic Homes presented the keys to a brand new home for combat wounded veteran, U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant (SSGT) Brandan Taylor and his family during a large military style celebration.
SSGT Taylor served in the USMC for 10 years, eight of which he spent in the Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command as a Marine Raider. He served on seven official deployments during his term. During a raid in the winter of 2014, SSGT Taylor sustained severe back, spine and knee injuries that limited his ability to walk.
The new home will include features and options specifically designed to meet SSGT Taylor’s needs. The keys to the new home were delivered during a Hero Home Finale ceremony in Holly Springs, N.C. The celebration featured a fly-over with missing man formation, home keys delivered by a parachute team and other surprises for the new home owners.
The project is a result of Operation Coming Home, a joint volunteer project led by the Home Builders Association of Raleigh-Wake County (HBA), the United States Veterans Corps (USVC) and the home builder that builds and donates homes for disabled combat veterans. Hero Home 13 was built by CalAtlantic Homes.
“We are honored to have the opportunity to commit our time and resources to partner with Operation Coming Home to build an exceptional home for such an extremely deserving American hero,” said Troy George, Raleigh Division President for CalAtlantic Homes said in a press release. “It is our hope that this home provides a place for the Taylor family to make cherished memories for years to come.”
“A tremendous group of people have all come together to make this home for SSGT Taylor and his family a reality,” said Andy Ladner, President of Operation Coming Home and Executive Director of the U.S. Veterans Corps said in a press release. “This project provides a way for our community to give back and the unique touches in this home showcase the appreciation by the CalAtlantic Homes team and their vendors for this hero.”
SSGT Taylor was selected last spring to receive the Hero Home on behalf of Operation: Coming Home. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on March 14 and a flag raising ceremony was held on June 21.
