Ground Broken at Build Site of Home for American War Hero

Gold-painted shovelheads dipped into the red dirt at 5809 Barrington Court on Thursday morning, where a groundbreaking ceremony was held at the site of new home to be built for an American war hero.

Members of Operation FINALLY HOME, the San Angelo Home Builders Association and AB Builders were on hand, partners in a project to custom-build a mortgage-free home for U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Chris Campbell, his wife Stephanie, and their two sons, Wyatt and XXX.

Ronnie Lyles, project manager for Operation FINALLY HOME for the western half of the United States, explained that the organization partners with builders in US communities to build homes for veterans injured or disabled in war.

“We look for folks (veterans) that have injuries that are going to prevent them from being in the military [any longer],” Lyles explained. “A lot of times they are not going to be able to be employed. Because of that they would probably not be able to apply for a mortgage. So, that’s where we are looking for people. We like to say we are helping people who want a hand up, not a hand out.”

Staff Sgt. Campbell served in the military from 1994 to 2012, when he medically retired with a long list of accolades. The 18-year serviceman is a veteran of several tours of security duty in West Virginia following the 9/11 attacks of 2001, as well as a several-months deployment in Iraq, where he was injured in a rocket attack.

“He suffers from PTSD, a traumatic brain injury, asthma, COPD,” Lyles said. “These conditions are the result of being injured by a rocket propelled grenade. These are things that are going to affect him for the rest of his life.”

When local builder Adrian Balderas became interested in utilizing his knowledge and skill to assist others, he partnered with Operation FINALLY HOME, who found the Campbell family.

“Several years ago I was watching an episode of Extreme [Home] Make-Over, and I was touched at how a group of people could make such a difference in someone’s life,” Balderas said to the crowd that had amassed. “I am honored and privileged to be able to bless someone’s life. For me it’s more rewarding to be able to give rather than receive, and am glad to participate in this.”

Lyles explained that the way the operation works is that the organization partners with builders in cities that want to be a part of a project. When a builder expresses interest, the organization looks for a family in need of a hand-up that is interested in living in the respective location, and they begin to work together on the project.

The Campbell family has lived all over the United States, but spent some time in San Angelo when Campbell was stationed at Goodfellow Air Force Base. The objective of the family has always been to move back to the community, Lyles said, which put them at the top of the list.

“The family likes the climate, schools and medical facilities, but more than that the real reason they want to be here is because of the people,” Lyles said. “They know the people of Texas support their military, but more than that the people of San Angelo.”

Following a brief introduction, Stephanie Campbell approached a podium set up on the dirt pad and thanked everyone for their assistance and support.

“When we were asked where we would like to have our home built, without hesitation our answer was Texas, and not just any part of Texas, but San Angelo, Texas,” she said. “We have lived in many states, but always thought of San Angelo as our home. We love it here, not only for the convenience to medical facilities and everything else around us, but because of the people. Everyone has always been so super friendly and supportive. We hope moving back here will most importantly improve Chris’ quality of life.”

Lyles estimated that construction on the house will take between six and seven months, but the family plans to transition to San Angelo immediately. The home will be funded by donations from the community, building suppliers and Operation FINALLY HOME.

“We cannot forget that there is no longer a draft,” Lyles said. “These men and women are volunteering with the knowledge they are going to be put in harm’s way.”

“People, like Chris, have stepped up and said ‘Put me in coach, give me that rifle, I will stand on that wall for the freedom of everyone.’ So we can’t thank them enough, it takes folks like Chris to give us our freedom, and let’s not forget that.”