Injured Army Vet from Texas Stunned by Gift of a Mortgage-Free Home

An Army veteran who served for 13 years and was injured by an improvised explosive device was surprised Monday with the gift of a custom, mortgage-free home.

U.S. Army Maj. Eric King told FOX4 he was under the impression he was a candidate to be considered for a free home — but had no idea the selection process was already complete.

“I wasn’t prepared for this. I thought we were going to meet and just have coffee. This is truly surprising,” he said. “I want to thank my Heavenly Father for blessing me for being here on today. He has allowed me to get through the triumph, surviving combat, being able to get back in the right state of mind.”

King served 13 years in the army and did two tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. During his last deployment, he was wounded in an IED explosion.

“I don’t myself feel deserving of it,” he said of the house. “There are greater heroes out there who can’t be here today. They deserve it. They deserve it.”

King and his family were also treated to a motorcycle escort for the surprise, according to FOX4.

“There are greater heroes out there who can’t be here today. They deserve it. They deserve it.”

Ronnie Lyles from Operation Finally Home, the group that partnered with the city of Irving, Texas, and a group of donors to buy the home, told CBS Dallas that surprising King with the house was simply about giving back to someone who had already given so much for his community and country.

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“At the end of the day we’re taking the stress of a mortgage off their shoulders, where they can continue to heal their mind, their body and their spirit, and get on with their lives,” Lyles said.

This Fox News piece is used by permission.

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