17-04-2025
Veteran receives keys to new, free home in Crestview
CRESTVIEW, Fla. (WKRG) — A homecoming fit for a hero. Staff Sergeant Justin Day, alongside his wife and two boys, was escorted to their brand-new home in Crestview.
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'First thing that went through my brain was this is a complete fresh start,' Justin Day, a retired Staff Sergeant and Combat Controller for the U.S. Air Force said.
Day dedicated six years to the U.S. Air Force.
While deployed in Afghanistan, an explosion led to the amputation of part of his right leg, severe hand injuries, and a traumatic brain injury.
For his bravery and service, Day earned a number of awards, including the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Air Force Commendation Medal, and Air Force Combat Action Medal.
And now he has a free home.
'It's not just one less thing on the list to be worried about. It is a big thing off the list,' Day said.
It's all thanks to the nonprofit organization Building Homes for Heroes and The Emerald Coast Association of Realtors.
'Today is very meaningful and he's finally getting to his new home he has two wonderful young boys that will be able to settle in and play and just build their foundation as a family,' Rusty Smallwood, director of construction for Building Homes for Heroes, said.
'We have done several of these and they are just as heartfelt and rewarding to us every time to be able to do this for one of our military members,' Maria Howell, president of the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors, said.
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Building Homes for Heroes has gifted homes to more than 400 veterans and first responders.
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