The home will be dedicated on Saturday, June 17 at the 1776® Gastonia Grand Opening.
GASTONIA, N.C., June 16, 2023 –Great American Homes has partnered with Building Homes for Heroes, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to providing mortgage-free homes for injured veterans and their families, has chosen Army Sgt. Peter Clark as the recipient of a new home in the 1776® Gastonia development. This partnership represents the ongoing commitment to honoring the sacrifices made by brave servicemen and servicewomen.
“The patriotic partnership with Great American Homes helps support an exceptional hero who has made tremendous sacrifices to 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,” said Andy Pujol, Founder and CEO of Building Homes for Heroes.
Clark joined the United States Marines in December 1978, serving four years before being honorably discharged in December 1982. Inspired by his military family, he later joined the Army Reserves in 2002 from Fort Myers, Florida, driven by a deep 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.
Throughout his years of service, Clark encountered many situations that profoundly impacted his physical and mental well-being. As an 88M, or Motor Transport Operator, he and traveled extensively in Iraq with his unit, delivering essential supplies and ammunition and transporting fallen soldiers. During one mission, while navigating challenging terrain, he suffered head injuries while trying to prevent his loaded M16 from discharging. As a result, he experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Additionally, Clark was exposed to burn pits during his deployments, leading to surgery for lung and brain cancer. Unfortunately, Clark experiences memory loss due to his medical conditions, resulting in gaps in his recollection of certain experiences.
Following his cancer remission and stabilization of his medical conditions, Clark and his wife Kelly, also a veteran, embarked on a journey of exploration, selling their belongings and traveling in their RV since 2014. However, as his health gradually declined, they have decided to settle down and seek stability in their lives.
In recognition of his dedicated service to his country, Clark has been awarded 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).
The presentation ceremony for Clark’s new home will be held on Saturday, June 17 following a brief Patriotic Parade at 11 a.m. at the 1776® Gastonia development grand opening. The event will be attended by representatives from Building Homes for Heroes, Great American Homes representatives, and state and community leaders who will join in celebrating this momentous occasion.
About Great American Homes:
Great American Homes’ vision is to provide adult residents with a quality, value-driven, maintenance-free lifestyle in a patriotic environment. The company’s leader is a franchise of EPCON Communities and brings a wealth of experience to each unique development. Each 1776® Community built by Great American Homes shares the same motto: Where Patriotism Lives.
About Building Homes for Heroes:
Building Homes for Heroes is an organization dedicated to constructing and gifting mortgage-free homes, as well as completing home modifications for veterans, emergency first responders, and their families. The organization offers additional services to support their journey toward recovery and ensure they can lead promising and fulfilling lives.
Building Homes for Heroes achieved a remarkable program rating of 95.19% in 2021, marking the tenth consecutive year with a program rating of at least 93%. Additionally, it has received a perfect 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for six consecutive years, including a 100% rating for transparency and accountability. For more information, please visit buildinghomesforheroes.org.