SPOKANE, Wash. — A Spokane veteran was surprised with a new home on Wednesday morning.
U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant Christopher Weichman and his family were told they would be touring a neighborhood and were instead taken to the groundbreaking ceremony at the site that will be their new home.
"I can promise you this, we will pay it forward," said Weichman. "We respect everything that has been done for us and will be done for us and we want to say thank you."
The home was gifted to Weichman by a Texas-based nonprofit called Operation Finally Home. The nonprofit seeks to provide custom-built, mortgage-free homes to injured veterans, first responders and their families.
Weichman received a Bronze Star, an award that recognizes acts of heroism performed in ground combat or meritorious achievement or service, during his 16 years of service.
The home will be built by the Lennar company. Additional support for the building is provided by the Beyond the Barracks program, a California-based program that uplifts military veterans and communities.