Jorge DeLeon, Sergeant, United States Army (ret), previously selected by Bay Area Builders Association Support Our Troops to receive a new home via Operation FINALLY HOME, received the perfect addition to his home: a new state-of-the-art walk-in tub from Safe Step Walk-In Tubs as part of the company’s national program of giving, Safe Step Cares.
Jorge joined the U.S. Army in 2001 after eight years on the police force in Puerto Rico. On his fourth deployment to Afghanistan in April 2004, Jorge and his unit were on their way back to camp after a patrol through the region. Jorge was driving a Humvee, the lead vehicle of the convoy, when it ran over an anti-tank mine. Having taken the full brunt of the mine, Jorge was the only one injured in the explosion. He lost his right leg immediately in the explosion, and his left leg was severely injured. He underwent a long recovery at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and now wears a computer-controlled prosthetic leg.
Jorge has returned to law enforcement and resides in Texas with his wife and three young children. Since his recovery, Jorge has helped raise awareness and inspired other wounded veterans to remain hopeful, even in times of extreme distress and isolation. As a result of his story, Jorge was selected in 2010 to receive a free home courtesy of Operation FINALLY HOME.
Operation FINALLY HOME is a national, non-profit organization with a unique network of experienced builders, suppliers and supporters dedicated to building homes for wounded, ill or injured veterans, surviving spouses and their families. OFH brings together homebuilders, the military and communities to build custom mortgage-free homes for America’s heroes, providing a strong foundation to help them move forward with their lives. OFH is honored to unite all of those who respect and value the sacrifice of America’s troops and their families.
Safe Step heard about Jorge’s story and decided to donate a free walk-in tub to assist with Jorge’s independence, comfort and safety in his new home. “As Veterans Day nears, we are reminded of the sacrifices made by our nation’s military,” said Mike Duffer, president and founder of Safe Step Walk-In Tubs. “We were touched by Jorge’s story and Operation FINALLY HOME’s generous donation. It’s a perfect home for a deserving veteran.”