In partnership with Operation Homefront, Meritage Homes Corporation (NYSE: MTH) is handing over keys to three new homes to deserving military heroes and their families in time for Veterans Day. Located in the Phoenix, San Antonio and Raleigh metropolitan areas, the mortgage-free, energy-efficient homes are part of Meritage’s core purpose of enriching lives by satisfying the American Dream of home ownership for thousands of families across the nation.
“Every day, the brave men and women of our Armed Forces put their lives on hold and themselves into harm’s way to protect freedom and our way of life,” said Steven J. Hilton, chairman and CEO of Meritage Homes. “We are honored to express our appreciation to these exceptional families with a token of gratitude given the enormous sacrifices they have made for our country.”
In Goodyear, Army Sergeant Richard Neider II, his wife Kerry, and their two children will be moving into the first home that they have owned as a family. The 2,278-square-foot one-story home will provide the family of four a place to grow. The home includes some ADA-friendly features such as wider doors, roll in showers, roll under sinks and lower light switches that will allow Sgt. Neider to use his wheelchair inside the house. The Neider family will receive their key at Meritage’s Del Mar at Sedella community on Nov. 4.
Army Sergeant Aaron Kumamoto was selected to receive a new 1,508-square-foot home in Converse, Texas. The new home will keep Sgt. Kumamoto, his wife Erica and son Logan close to San Antonio Military Medical Center, where Kumamoto receives his medical treatment. The Kumamoto family will receive their key at Meritage’s MacArthur Park community on Nov. 6.
Born and raised in North Carolina, Army Sergeant Jeffrey Lynch was selected to receive a 2,066-square-foot home in Cary, N.C. The home is just half an hour away from Duke University, where Sgt. Lynch receives specialized medical treatment. Lynch and his wife Christy are parents of a four-year-old daughter. The Lynch family will receive their key at Meritage’s Park at Langston community on Nov. 8.
The key ceremonies will be held at 10:30 a.m. on each of their designated days, immediately followed by a Welcome Home barbecue hosted by each community to give local residents the opportunity to honor sacrifices made by men and women of the Armed Forces.
The three homes are being awarded through Operation Homefront’s Homes on the Homefront program which selects veterans based on a number of qualifications, including need and existing ties to the community. Since its inception, the program anticipates awarding 100 homes to deserving military families around the country this year. However, this is the first time the organization has provided newly built homes where recipients will be the first owners.
“These homes will provide three of our nation’s military families with an amazing opportunity,” said Tim Farrell, chief operating officer of Operation Homefront. “Every military family has sacrificed so much through their careers, and our Homes on the Homefront program is just one of the many ways that our organization shows its support to them. These three homes are the first newly built homes that we have been able to provide to veterans, and we are thankful to change the lives of the Neider, Kumamoto, and Lynch families.”
