Central Texas Army veteran receives mortgage-free home

WOODWAY, Texas (KWTX) - After a year-long wait, Army veteran Jakob Spraggins and his two daughters have moved into their new mortgage-free home.

Spraggins was told he would receive the house last December through Operation Finally Home and BAM Builders. The organization has provided homes to nearly 450 families across the country as a thank you to wounded or injured veterans.

“I’ve tried for a year to find the words to say for today, and I’m still at a loss of words for today. It’s just so remarkable how God has decided to bless me and my family,” Spraggins said.

Spraggins served in the U.S. Army from 2010 to 2015. He has spent the last six years living in an apartment with his two daughters.

Lee Kirgan, vice president of operations for Operation Finally Home, said the moment veterans receive their keys is always emotional.

“You can just see it in the expression on their face. You can see it in their eyes, you can hear it in their voice. It’s just, saying it’s life changing is not enough,” Kirgan said.

Kirgan said the homes provide relief for veterans whose life after service often comes with uncertainty.

“They’re unable to go out and get a job, and they don’t know ‘how am I going to take care of my family.’ They find out they’re getting a new home and it just lifts a burden off their back that is just so amazing,” Kirgan said.

For Spraggins, being able to provide his daughters with a stable home is priceless.

“Everything I do is for them, and so seeing their reactions reaffirms that I’m doing everything I need to be doing as a dad,” Spraggins said.

The family will celebrate their first Christmas in the new home in a few weeks.

“Santa came early. I don’t know how he fit the whole house in his bag, but he made it,” Spraggins said.

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