SANFORD, Fla. — A retired Army sergeant, who has received several awards, including a Purple Heart, was given the keys to a newly-constructed home Friday.
Retired Sgt. Jackie Irving and his family were the recipients of a mortgage-free house in Sanford that was part of Operation Finally Home.
Irving arrived, escorted by Sanford police and fire to his new home on West 25th Street, and waiting for his arrival were dozens of vendors and veterans to welcome him home.
The organization Operation Finally Home provides newly-constructed homes to veterans and their families, mortgage free.
After the groups committee reached out to several military and Veterans Affairs hospitals, Irving, his wife and four children were chosen to be their 77th recipient.
"They recommend families that are at the right stage of the recovery process that they could own a home. They could take on that responsibility," said Lee Kirgan, of Operation Finally Home.
The group said the house has been appraised for $350,000; The group also said it was able to construct the home for less than $40,000, and it was all possible by donations through local businesses and citizens.
"Until it started all coming together, you would never know the finishing of this is a masterpiece," said Kirgan.
Irving served tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, but after he was struck by an IED while on foot patrol in 2012, he was forced to retire because of his injuries.
While Irving's family has experienced their fair share of sacrifice, it is the group that was willing to sacrifice their time and effort constructing a home for a man who risked his life for his country's freedom.
"I just thank everybody. It has truly been a blessing," said Kirgan.
Irving said his future plans involve going back to school in hopes of opening his own barber shop and giving back to other Army veterans.
WFTV
