Dallas BA Completes 7th Operation FINALLY HOME Project
Representatives from Operation FINALLY HOME, Winston Custom Homes, the City of Irving, NEC Corporation of America and Copart joined the Dallas Builders Association on March 25 to present U.S. Army Major Eric King and his family with the keys to his brand new mortgage-free custom home. The welcome home ceremony included a ribbon-cutting ceremony and remarks by City of Irving Mayor Rick Stopfer and Operation FINALLY HOME founder Dan Wallrath.
This is the Dallas BA’s seventh Operation FINALLY HOME project. Major King was surprised on July 16 at a surprise groundbreaking ceremony with the news that he and his family would soon be moving into their new home in Irving. The city donated the lot for Major King’s home, marking the Association’s first municipal partnership for such a project.
“There is no higher calling in the housing industry than to build the American Dream for someone such as Major King who has done so much to preserve and protect it,” said Dallas BA Executive Officer Phil Crone.
This project was made possible by all of the generous donations from association members, the trades, manufactures, furniture designers and suppliers stepped up in a remarkable way. Over 40 companies helped to make the dream of homeownership a reality for the King family. During his remarks, Major Eric King shared the challenges he faced once he was medically retired from the military, one of his top concerns was how he would provide a home for his family. He offered a heartfelt “thank you” to all involved for helping him and his family overcome this challenge.
During his military career, Major King was deployed overseas four times to Iraq, Afghanistan and West Africa. During each deployment, he and his platoon were involved in IED attacks, ambushes and gun battles causing casualties to his troops, himself and coalition forces. King suffers with PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury and a seizure disorder, which are all constant reminders of his combat experiences. His combat injuries include a spine injury with accompanying nerve damage to both legs. King received many commendations, including the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Two Bronze Star Medals, Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and many more.
King medically retired in 2016 after serving 16 years in the Army. He is focusing on getting healthy and plans to give back and help veterans reclaim their lives. He would like to be a spokesperson and motivational speaker so he can share his story and experiences and help veterans such as himself who are fighting for a better tomorrow.
He is the father of a daughter and three sons, ranging from ages 1 to 19.
VIDEO: ABC News clip on the Major Eric King home dedication
Photos by @GoodgamePhotography
