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Hero and loved ones celebrate their new home

| Staff Reporters
The Emerald Coast Association of REALTORS, in partnership with Building Homes for Heroes, recently welcomed Air Force Staff Sgt. Justin Day and his family into their new mortgage-free, specially adapted home east of the Deerland area.
Justin Day and his wife, Aubrey, share a hug next to their new home. (Photo courtesy of ECAR)

The life-changing event took place on April 16 and was made possible through the tireless efforts of the ECAR Building Homes for Heroes Task Force, led by Chair Chrissy Hartley, ECAR officials said in a social media post.

“Chrissy’s leadership and unwavering dedication have been instrumental in turning this dream into a reality,” ECAR officials said.

Day, a Purple Heart recipient and retired combat controller, was severely injured during his 2018 deployment in Afghanistan. The home, built to accommodate his mobility and accessibility needs, features four bedrooms, an oversized accessible shower, wider doorways, and open living spaces to provide long-term comfort and independence for his family.

The Day family checks out the kitchen in their new home. (Photo courtesy of ECAR)

In a touching surprise, the home was fully furnished before the family’s arrival — an extra gesture of care and gratitude made possible by the generosity of local partners and volunteers.

Special thanks go to Chuck and Ellen Hughes for donating the land, builder Ferrin Campbell, and designer Tammy Summers. Additional support came from the Graiff Family Foundation, Lowe’s Home Improvement, SAIC, and countless community members who gave their time, talents, and hearts.

The Day family was joined by many supporters at the celebration. (Photo courtesy of ECAR)

This day was not only a celebration of a new beginning for the Day family — it was a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when a community comes together with compassion and purpose. ECAR’s Task Force, under Chrissy Hartley’s exceptional leadership, continues to show what it means to serve those who have sacrificed so much.

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