The home will be dedicated on Saturday, June 17 at the 1776® Gastonia Grand Opening.
GASTONIA, N.C., June 19, 2023 –Great American Homes, a prominent housing company founded by NewStyle Communities, an Epcon Communities franchise, hosted the grand opening of its latest 55+ housing development, 1776 Gastonia. Situated just 30 minutes outside of Charlotte, this vibrant community offers 43 beautifully crafted homes tailored for active retirees. The remarkable grand opening event took place on Saturday, June 17, attracting enthusiastic attendees from near and far.
In alignment with its commitment to supporting those who have bravely served the country, Great American Homes have partnered with Building Homes for Heroes, a distinguished national nonprofit organization. This meaningful collaboration aims to provide injured veterans and their families with mortgage-free homes as part of this partnership, Army Sgt. Peter Clark, a deserving recipient, has been selected to receive a new home in the 1776 Gastonia development.
Speaking about the partnership, Andy Pujol, Founder and CEO of Building Homes for Heroes, shared his appreciation, stating, "The patriotic partnership with Great American Homes helps support an exceptional hero who has made tremendous sacrifices for our nation. This collaboration also allows us to reach more veterans in need and march toward our goal of gifting our 343rd home this fall, honoring the fallen heroes from 9/11. Together, we are truly making our communities and country a better place for all to see."
Sgt. Peter Clark's military journey began when he joined the United States Marines in December 1978, serving with distinction for four years before his honorable discharge in December 1982. Inspired by his military family, he joined the Army Reserves in 2002 from Fort Myers, Florida, driven by an unwavering desire to honor his country and contribute to the fight against terrorism. After nearly a decade of dedicated service, he was honorably discharged in August 2013.
During his service, Sgt. Clark encountered numerous challenging situations that profoundly impacted his physical and mental well-being. As an 88M, or Motor Transport Operator, he traveled extensively in Iraq, delivering essential supplies and ammunition while transporting fallen soldiers. During one mission, while navigating treacherous terrain, he sustained head injuries while preventing his loaded M16 from discharging, resulting in a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Furthermore, Sgt. Clark was exposed to burn pits during his deployments, leading to surgery for lung and brain cancer. Despite his medical conditions, he remains resilient but experiences memory loss, affecting his recollection of certain experiences. After their inspiring journey of exploration, selling their belongings, and traveling in their RV since 2014, Sgt. Clark and his wife Kelly, also a veteran, have decided to settle down and seek stability in their lives. The gift of a mortgage-free home in the 1776 Gastonia development will provide them with a secure and supportive environment as they embrace this new chapter.
Recognizing Sgt. Peter Clark's dedicated service to his country, he has been awarded various commendations, including the Army Commendation Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with "M" Device, Army Service Ribbon, Army Lapel Button, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Expert Badge (Rifle), and the Sharpshooter Badge (machine gun).
Several esteemed individuals graced the event with their presence and shared inspiring words. Among the distinguished speakers were Representative Donnie Loftis, City Council member Robert Kellogg, and Sheriff Chad Hawkins. Their heartfelt speeches highlighted the significance of the 1776 Gastonia development and emphasized the community's commitment to honoring and supporting our nation's veterans.