CRESTVIEW, Fla. —
“Everybody in a beret back there… that is the only reason these entire experiences from seven years ago to now has been tolerable.”
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Justin Day reflected on his healing journey during a home-gifting ceremony on April 16 in Crestview, Florida where he and his family received a forever mortgage free home.
Day, a medically retired 6-year Air Force Special Tactics veteran and Purple Heart recipient, was deployed to Afghanistan in July 2018 when he stepped on a pressure plate initiated IED while conducting compound clearances. He was launched into the air and landed on his back. He lost his right foot, sustained severe hand injuries, and the lower half of his leg was stripped of all soft tissue.
As Day recovered from his injuries, he decided he wanted to call Crestview home with his two sons and Wednesday marked fruition of that decision.
A crowd of Airmen assigned to the 24th Special Operations Wing and cheering supporters, community members, and volunteers waved American flags to greet Day and his family when they arrived at their new home. The patriotic procession escorting them included the Crestview Police Department, North Okaloosa Fire and Sheriff’s Departments, and Patriot Guard Riders.
“Nobody here had to do any of this, but you did,” said Day. “That’s why any of this life experience is palatable and worth it. Thank you specifically to the guys back there in berets, this community is amazing.”
The four-bedroom 1,800 square-foot home sits on land donated by retired U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Charles Hughes and his wife, Ellen.
“This is a gift to my family and their future, more than it is for me,” said Day. “My two [sons] don’t know it yet, but this is a pivotal moment in their lives.”
The home was built by Building Homes for Heroes, a non-profit organization committed to rebuilding lives and supporting injured Veterans.
By Capt Savannah Stephens, 24th Special Operations Wing
