American Hero and Family Overwhelmed by New Home and San Angelo Generosity

Reporter Zoey Hanrahan contributed to this story.

Today, at 10:00 a.m., U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Chris Campbell and his family got to see their new home. About 150 people came out to show their support for the family, including the people who donated their time and money to make this town a home for the family. 

The family  stood excitedly in the garage for the revealing ceremony, while different companies that donated time and money and figure heads of San Angelo went up and welcomed the family to their new home. 

Stephanie Campbell sang the National Anthem and their sons lead the Pledge of Allegiance. 

"We have the opportunity to give and bless someone's life," said Adrian Balderas with HBA of San Angelo. "So, we want to give this family a home because of the sacrifices this man and his family have given their country." 

Chris and his family were holding back tears and embracing everyone who came and helped build the place they will now call home.

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Ronnie Lyles with Operation Finally Home said, "I want to thank Chris for his service and sacrifices he has made for him country, and we want to welcome the Campbell family to San Angelo and give them this beautiful home." 

The mayor of San Angelo, Dwain Morrison, also came out, and told the people who participated that he was very proud of San Angelo and the people in San Angelo for donating the time and money to create an amazing home for Chris and his family. 

As the family cut the ribbon and got to go into their new home, the emotions on their faces said it all. 

"Walking through the door was just an incredible realization that we are now home," said Staff Sgt. Chris Campbell. "San Angelo was the place we wanted to be because of the people here and the good schools for our boys." 

There were many people who donated money, time, supplies, and labor hours to get this house for the family. They lived here once before, and the Campbell family came back to settle down and call San Angelo home for good.

Original Story

Tomorrow morning, June 29, at 10:00 a.m., U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Chris Campbell, his wife Stephanie and their two boys will be handed keys to a mortgage-free, custom built home.

This home was built due to the hard work and dedication from a national non-profit, Operation FINALLY HOME, as well as local builders, AB Builders and the Home Builders Association of San Angelo (HBASA).

The community is welcome to join the Campbell family to the opening of their new home, located at 5809 Barrington Court. The Campbell’s house construction broke ground in February of 2015, and took a little over a year to build. Hundreds of volunteers put in their own time and labor to make this home possible.

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The home was built and given away to honor an American hero. Campbell joined the military in September of 1994. He was involved in several tours of security duty around West Virginia immediately following the September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001, as well as a deployment to Balad Air Base, Iraq, from November 2004 to July 2005.

During Campbell’s deployment to Iraq, he was injured by a rocket attack at Balad AB on June 11, 2005. As a result of the blast, he sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Campbell also suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), frequent migraines, insomnia, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease/asthma and hearing loss.

He medically retired from the military in 2012 with numerous awards, including a Purple Heart, USAF Meritorious Unit Award Ribbon and a National Defense Service Medal. Campbell and his family moved back to San Angelo earlier this year to enjoy its warm weather, leading local medical facilities that will aid in his recovery and its family-friendly communities with great schools perfect for raising their two boys.

Operation FINALLY HOME was established in 2005 as a non-partisan/nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Operation FINALLY HOME provides custom-built, mortgage-free homes to America`s military heroes and the widows of the fallen who have sacrificed so much to defend the freedom and values of American citizens.

Operation FINALLY HOME partners with corporate sponsors, builder associations, builders, developers, individual contributors, and volunteers to help America`s military heroes and their families transition to the home front by addressing one of their most pressing needs, including a home to call their own.

The HBASA is a 501(C) 6 non-profit professional trade organization comprised of builders and associate members who subscribe to the highest business and ethical practices and who are committed to fostering an environment conducive to help the growth of businesses within the industry. 

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Kristen Oliver, Executive Officer for the HBASA is overjoyed for the Campbell family. She explained that this is the second house in San Angelo that was built for an American hero.

Fundraising was what helped get the project on its feet and stay afloat. People of the community gave money, bought raffle tickets, donated materials and put in their own labor.

“This is a way for our members to give back to the community,” Oliver said.

HBASA partnered with Operation FINALLY HOME to get an American hero and his family a roof over their heads.

Oliver said, “It is so wonderful to get to be a part of an association [that helps] the community as much as they do. We are very appreciative of all the people who stepped up and made this possible.”