Sgt. O’Brien and his family welcomed to new home

Operation Finally Home and the Lewes Building Company, along with support from Southern Living and various contractors, companies and the community, held a dedication May 18 to present U.S. Army Sgt. Shaun O'Brien and his family with a new mortgage-free home.

O'Brien enlisted in the armed forces as a medic in 2008 at the age of 17. Despite his passion for graphic design and art, he felt a calling to help others and make a difference.

The New Jersey native met with recruiters, and shortly thereafter was sent to basic training in Fort Benning, Ga., to start his career in the Army. Following basic training, he received Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, which he graduated from in 2009, and married his longtime girlfriend Jesyka.

Deployment

O'Brien was stationed throughout the country until 2011 when he was deployed to Afghanistan, serving as a medic on the sweep team that would clear dangerous areas.

In 2012, O'Brien and his team were hit by a high explosive anti-tank rocket, and despite being injured himself, when O'Brien heard calls for a medic, he quickly responded, providing the aid that he was trained to do.

Recovery

He was eventually moved to the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., where he was treated for a traumatic brain injury, multiple herniated discs and compressed nerves in his spine.

He has since gone through three surgeries to treat these injuries, and he suffers from PTSD and short-term memory loss.

Despite the obstacles he faces, O'Brien has enrolled in a vocational rehabilitation and hopes to return to college to pursue a bachelor's degree in industrial design, as art has helped him cope with symptoms. For his efforts as a serviceman and the courage he showed in times of distress, O'Brien was awarded the Purple Heart.

Dreams

Operation Finally Home and all the sponsors, businesses and community members that had helped make this dream come true for O'Brien, his wife Jesyka, their two sons, and Shaun's service dog wanted to hold a ceremony for such a special event and even more special family.

"Rain is a symbol for new beginnings and new life. This has been a long journey for all of us, and it would not be possible without all the help we received from all of you," said Principal/owner Kathleen Leebel of The Lewes Building Company as she welcomed veterans, community members, dignitaries and the O'Briens to the official dedication.

The Cape Henlopen High School JROTC presented the colors, and Keavy Rhodes of Sussex Academy graced all in attendance with a rendition of the national anthem.

Following the welcome, the Rev. Charlie Wagner gave an invocation, "Bless those who serve our homeland and all of the builders, laborers, and people behind the scenes that made this possible for such a deserving family."

"Feel the warmth and love that surrounds you. You are coming into a loving and committed community that wants to you flourish and succeed. It is important to recognize our country's heroes," said Leebel.

Lt. Col. Timothy Drake, a 28-year veteran of the National Guard, then addressed O'Brien and his family: "Your sacrifices and those of others are greater than most can imagine. You have the ability to adapt and overcome, and our community is humbled to welcome you to your new home."

Rusty Carroll, executive director of Operation Finally Home recognized O'Brien and his family, and his joy with the response that the community gave to donating time, money and expertise to this project.

O'Brien was then awarded the Paul Harris Award by Ray Bryant of the Lewes-Rehoboth Rotary Club, which he deeply appreciated.

The time had come for the family to cut the ribbon to their home and enter the place where they would begin their new lives in Milton. Overcome with emotion, O'Brien and his wife were left speechless upon first entering their beautiful new home located in Red Fox Run.

"I am at a loss for words, and beyond thanks for all of the people who contributed to this program. It is gorgeous and more than we could ever have asked for. I feel so blessed that we were taken on this journey by such great people and organizations. The notes that were written previously on the studs by community members will forever be tied to this home and our hearts. Our family is so grateful for all of you," O'Brien said with tears in his eyes, accompanied by his family in their brand-new living room.

For more information on Operation Finally Home and getting involved in this nonprofit organization started in 2005 that has since built 150 homes for deserving veterans, go to www.operationfinallyhome.org.