Jay Wilkerson, Staff Sergeant U.S. Army, was severely wounded in Iraq when two rocket-propelled grenades killed his best friend and left him with a traumatic brain injury. After being in a coma for 39 days, Jay came back to a world that was unfamiliar to him. He had to relearn to walk, talk and eat. Through the support he received from his family and friends, and Sentinels of Freedom, he was able to successfully re-enter society.
Recently, Brian Olin, the Vice President of Operations of Lennar Homes, visited Mike Conklin. He told him he wanted to help a veteran, and did Mike know of anyone. Immediately Mike thought of Jay. “I know just the guy,” Mike answered. “He deserves something like this.”
Within a few weeks, the plans to completely redo Jay’s home with his fiancée Heather, were underway. Unbeknownst to Jay and Heather, Lennar wasn’t just going freshen up the paint on the walls and change out some old flooring. They were planning a much bigger surprise!
Two weeks after demolition began, Jay and Heather were waiting at their brand new front door. The moment they entered their new home, Jay collapsed to the floor with disbelief in his voice: “Look at this place! It’s so beautiful!” Lennar’s team was able to transform Jay’s house into a modern home with new furnishings, lighting, appliances, electronics, bedding, and more.
Thanks to the collaborative effort of Lennar Homes and Sentinels of Freedom, Jay and Heather can begin the next chapter of their lives together in a beautiful new home. We are so proud that we were able to be a part of this amazing life-changing event for Jay!
For more information about our programs and to learn how you can help, please visit: sentinelsoffreedom.org
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