GREENFIELD — A retired Army sergeant and his wife and kids were gifted a mortgage-free home in Greenfield this week, in the Copeland Farms subdivision off Franklin Road.
The family — who is relocating from Texas — were given a police escort to their new home on Wednesday, Oct. 18, when representatives from Building Homes for Heroes handed over the keys.
“We’d like to welcome you home,” said Rusty Smallwood, operations manager for the national nonprofit.
Since 2006, the organization has modified and gifted more than 345 homes with support from JPMorgan Chase, Advance Auto Parts, Lowe’s home improvement stores, SAIC and other companies.
On Wednesday, Sgt. Michael Burroughs’ children looked around with wide-eyed wonder when the family took their ceremonial first steps through the front door.
“Wow, this is huge,” said David, the eldest of two brothers and three sisters, ages 3-15.
The children joyfully followed their dad and mom, Yadira, as they toured the four-bedroom home for the first time.
“Now I’ll just have to share a room with one of my sisters,” said 11-year-old Brianna, the oldest daughter, who had been sharing a room with multiple siblings.
As the children made their way from room to room — marveling over the size of the closets — their parents seemed both elated and overwhelmed.
“We can never thank you all enough,” Burroughs said to a group of Building Homes for Heroes staff members, who traveled from Florida and Texas for the home dedication.
“This is the best part of our jobs,” said Gavin Carillo, donor relations manager for the nonprofit.
According to info shared by the organization, Burroughs was inspired to join the military when he witnessed the 9/11 attacks on television when he was 18.
He walked into an Army recruiting office in Virginia shortly thereafter to obtain his GED and begin his basic training and infantry at Fort Benning in Georgia. He went on to serve in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
Burroughs endured many physical injuries during his three tours, but it was psychological injuries suffered in his third and final deployment which would lead to severe post-traumatic stress disorder.
Smallwood said it’s an honor to help give back to veterans like Burroughs, who have given their all for their country.
For his service, Burroughs received the Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal Campaign Star (2x), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, and the Parachutist Badge.
The veteran and his wife seemed as joyful as their kids on Wednesday when walking through the door of their new home.
The once-dilapidated house was purchased by JPMorgan Chase and handed over to Building Homes for Heroes, which collaborated with Lowe’s and local contractors to completely renovate the two-story brick and vinyl home.
“Today is truly a celebration, not only for the Burroughs family but for our entire region, as we welcome our newest neighbors here in Greenfield,” said Christina Moungey, regional manager for JPMorgan Chase.
Yadira Burroughs said it was a joyful yet overwhelming day for her family, which is in the process of moving their belongings to Greenfield from Texas.
“We’ll be heading back to finish packing everything up and then driving back here,” said the new homeowner, who home schools her five kids.
“We’re so happy and so thankful to be here,” she said.
