Members of the Irving Police Department recently had the honor of participating in a special ceremony alongside Operation Finally Home to pay tribute to a true American hero, U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Samasoni Lelea. Sergeant Lelea, a two-time Purple Heart recipient, and his family were pleasantly surprised with the life-changing news that they would soon be the proud owners of a brand-new, mortgage-free home.
Sergeant Lelea's dedication to our nation spanned over two decades, during which he completed three active duty deployments to Iraq. His unwavering commitment to the service of his country has not gone unnoticed, and this remarkable gift is a testament to his sacrifice.
To mark this momentous occasion, the Irving Police Department's motors unit and the Patriot Guard Riders came together to escort the Lelea family to the site where their future home will stand. A touching groundbreaking ceremony followed, symbolizing the beginning of a new chapter in the Lelea family's life.
"t was a remarkable experience that reminded us of the sacrifices made by brave individuals like Lelea and the importance of supporting and honoring them.", said the Irving Police Department in a statement.
Operation Finally Home provides mortgage-free homes, home modifications and transitional housing to wounded, ill and injured military veterans, first responders and their families in honor of their service and sacrifice to country and community. Based in New Braunfels, Texas, Operation Finally Home was established in 2005 as a non-partisan/non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and has completed or is in the planning stages on more than 340 home projects in more than 33 states.
