‘Don’t pinch me moment’: Vet gets new mortgage-free home

STRONGSVILLE , Ohio (WJW) — It’s a big welcome outside. Lots of flags and big balloons.

But inside one new home, there are just a lot of quiet wows and plenty of socked feet. And one family that’s still in a bit of shock.

“Probably when our friends have left, and it’s just us in the house that might be the time it sinks in; this is still one of those don’t-pinch-me moments,” Dylan Hale said.

Friday morning, Dylan and his family got the keys to their new mortgage-free home in Strongsville.

Hale spent nine years in the Army, including serving in Afghanistan.

Six months into a 13-month deployment, he was severely injured in the legs by mortar fire and was medically discharged a short time later.

Hale said he’s struggled with PTSD and has had a few ups and downs in life since leaving the service, but his family has stayed very strong.

He said getting a new home seemed almost out of reach, but that’s where Operation Home Front came in.

The San Antonio Texas-based non-profit working with Pulte Homes and other builders helps veterans around the country achieve a dream not only of homeownership, but financial stability.

“When we’re looking for a veteran, what we’re looking for is someone who has a connection to that community — someone who will be able to maintain the home. The homes, they are mortgage-free but that doesn’t mean cost-free, so we have to find veterans that are able to sustain home ownership,” said Gracie Broll of Operation Homefront,

Out of 300 veterans, Hale and his wife, Stephanie, were selected and actually got a chance to watch their new home being built from the ground up.

Currently, they live in Berea, and this move to Strongsville means more — a lot more space and peace of mind.

But what makes them the most thankful is that so many people truly care.

“I sat outside in the car for three hours watching it get built.” Hale said. “One of the Amish guys that was on the crew, and I think he was the head guy, saw me out there sitting there he said ‘are you the homeowner,’ and I said ‘i’I could be’, and he literally and – I never would have expected to get: ‘I’m truly honored to build your home’.”

Operation Homefront has partnered with several builders and have helped more than 600 veterans around the country get new homes.

If you would like more information about what they do for veterans, click here.

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