We give back to severely injured veterans and their families by gifting mortgage-free homes and raising funds through the national nonprofit organization
In 2013, SAIC joined forces with Building Homes for Heroes (BHH), which builds and modifies homes and then gifts them — mortgage-free — to veterans and their families. To date, SAIC has helped donate 18 homes and raised nearly $840,000 through BHH. SAIC is proud to support the nonprofit organization's mission and is committed to supporting our veterans and all those serving in our military.
SAIC employees play a big role in our support of BHH and veterans. Before each new home is gifted, our employee volunteers help perform final welcome preparations. They also show their generosity through direct contributions to the organization. We continue to raise money for veterans and their families through BHH at our fundraising page.
This year, SAIC is honored to support the gifting of homes to three more BHH heroes, the latest of whom is U.S. Army Sergeant William Watson. See his and our other BHH heroes’ stories below.
Heroes and SAIC Restore VETERAN LIVES AND HOPE
Building Homes for
$839K
TOTAL funds RAISED
More Than
Donate Now
BHH GIFTS
BHH RANKINGS
Charity navigator Score (out of 100)
96
rating on guideStar
PLATINUM
Charity navigator Rating
1
Home
Every
11 Days
U.S. Army Specialist
Andrew Toppin
2013
U.S. Air Force
Master Sergeant
Joseph Deslauriers
2014
U.S. Army Specialist
Hugo Gonzalez
2015
U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant
Christopher Claude
2016
U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant
Kirstie Ennis
2017
U.S. Air Force Major
Gabriel Gonzalez
2018
U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant
Lloyd Howard Jr.
2018
U.S. Navy Lieutenant
Patrick Ferguson
2019
U.S. Navy
Petty Officer
Isaac Francois
2020
U.S. Navy
Petty Officer
Daniel Devine
2021
U.S. Army Sergeant
Alberto Montrond
2022
U.S. Air Force Technical Sergeant
Rahmeka Hopkins
2022
U.S. Navy
Petty Officer
Anthony Thompson
2022
U.S. Army
Private First Class
Teuila Lobendahn
2023
U.S. Army
Staff Sergeant
Martin Jones
2023
U.S. Army
Sergeant
Robert Scott III
2023
In December 2009, Specialist Andrew Toppin was injured in Iraq when he drove over an IED and his vehicle caught fire. He suffered the loss of his right leg and injuries to his face, arms, and left leg in the blast and resulting fire.
Toppin, his wife, and their two small children received a home in Houston in 2013.
Andrew Toppin
Master Sergeant Joe Deslauriers, a 1st Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal technician, was injured in an IED blast while serving in Afghanistan in 2011. The explosion resulted in Deslauriers losing both legs above the knee and his left arm at the elbow.
Deslauriers carried out two tours of duty in Afghanistan and served in Iraq, Kuwait, and Kosovo. During his service, he earned the Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal, Joint Service and Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and more.
SAIC and Building Homes for Heroes gifted Deslauriers, his wife Lisa, and their son a home in Florida in October 2014.
Joe Deslauriers
Specialist Hugo Gonzalez was severely injured in Iraq in June 2004. He was on patrol when his vehicle took a direct hit from an IED and a gun battle broke out with insurgents.
As a result of the blast, Gonzalez suffered a traumatic brain injury, internal bleeding, a sinus bone fracture, a crushed optic nerve (right eye), and a macular hole (left eye), leaving him legally blind. Because of the resulting procedures, Gonzalez suffers seizures requiring long-term therapy.
Gonzalez was awarded the Purple Heart, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Combat Action Badge.
SAIC helped to welcome Gonzalez, his wife, and their three children into a home in Port St. Lucie, Florida in 2015.
Hugo Gonzalez
Gunnery Sergeant Chris Claude was injured in Iraq in 2006 when his team was ambushed by an IED. He suffered severe shrapnel wounds and burns, plus severe injuries to his right leg and left hand.
Claude also suffered nerve damage on the left side of his body, burns, abdominal wounds caused by shrapnel, and a traumatic brain injury. As a result of his injuries, he underwent an above-the-knee amputation of his left leg, and partial amputation of his left thumb.
For his service, Claude received the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2X), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2X), Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (2X), Marine Corps Recruiting Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, and Navy Unit Commendation.
SAIC and Building Homes for Heroes welcomed Claude and his daughter into their mortgage-free home in Long Pond, Pennsylvania in 2016.
CHRIS CLAUDE
Sergeant Kirstie Ennis was serving as a helicopter door gunner when her helicopter crash-landed in Afghanistan in 2012. The accident caused severe damage to her left leg that resulted in an above-the-knee amputation, a shattered jaw, severe facial lacerations, a traumatic brain injury, and PTSD.
Despite more than three dozen surgeries, Ennis has learned to walk and talk again and is a picture of perseverance and hope. She placed fifth in women’s snowboard cross at the 2018 Winter Paralympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, has summited mountains across the world, and participated in a 72-day, 1,000-mile walk across mainland Britain. Ennis created her own non-profit organization, the Kirstie Ennis Foundation, to help disadvantaged populations, including wounded veterans, gain access and confidence in the outdoors. Ennis was honored in 2019 with the Pat Tillman Award for service at the ESPYS.
SAIC and Building Homes for Heroes presented Ennis with a mortgage-free home in Colorado in 2017.
Kirstie Ennis
Major Gabriel Gonzalez was injured in Iraq while serving our country in 2017. Gonzalez suffered devastating head trauma that resulted in a traumatic brain injury, a fractured skull, and a stroke that left him unable to walk or speak.
Gonzalez, who was once confined to a wheelchair, can now walk and talk again thanks to his hard work and the dedication of his mother, Miriam. After spending several years getting to know the Gonzalez family while they waited for their home to be completed, SAIC helped to present Gonzalez and his mother with a mortgage-free home in Land O’ Lakes, Florida in December 2020.
For his service, Gonzalez was awarded the Air Medal (3X), Aerial Achievement Medal (3X), Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal (2X), Meritorious Unit Award, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (3X), Combat Readiness Medal, Air Force Recognition Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, and Afghanistan Campaign Medal (2X), among other accolades.
Gabriel Gonzalez
Staff Sergeant Lloyd Howard Jr. was conducting route clearance support when his unit was ambushed by enemy insurgents in December 2006. He was knocked unconscious by an explosive, resulting in a traumatic brain injury, PTSD, lumbar strain, nerve damage, cervical spine disorder, and other debilitating health issues.
For his service, Howard was awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (4X), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3X), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (8X), National Defense Service Medal (2X), Iraq Campaign Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, and Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation (2X).
SAIC helped to welcome Howard, his wife Aleshia, and their four children into a home in Pierce, Florida.
Lloyd Howard Jr.
Lieutenant Patrick Ferguson joined the Navy in 1991 out of the desire to serve our country and continue his family’s long legacy of military service. During his service, he sustained numerous physical and psychological injuries, many of which resulted from his many training operations and deployments. He sustained more than a dozen concussions, and his deployments to hostile territories have left him with severe PTSD. He also suffers from bilateral knee injuries, chronic migraines, tinnitus, and a traumatic brain injury.
For his service, Ferguson was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon (2X), Good Conduct Medal (3X), Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Star, Joint Service Commendation Medal (2X), Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (5X), and National Defense Service Medal.
In December 2019, SAIC volunteers helped to prepare the Ferguson home for the holidays and welcomed Ferguson, his two boys, and his service dog, Ajax, into their new home.
Patrick Ferguson
Petty Officer Second Class Isaac Francois served for 10 years in the Navy before being honorably discharged after his diagnoses of bilateral compartment syndrome and PTSD, which resulted from his tour in Afghanistan. Bilateral compartment syndrome is a condition where there is insufficient blood flow to parts of the body. As a result of his condition, he has undergone seven operations on his leg.
For his service, Francois was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Global War Terrorism Medal, Good Conduct Medal (3X), Meritorious Unit Commendation, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, NATO Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2X), Expeditionary Medal, and Fleet Marine Force Ribbon.
SAIC helped to welcome Francois, his wife Wisline, and their three kids into their home in Lusby, Maryland on September 11, 2020, on the 19th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
Isaac Francois
Petty Officer First Class Daniel Devine was a senior in high school when the tragic attacks of September 11 took place and called him to serve and protect his country. He enlisted out of Winter Haven, Florida in 2002, just three days after graduating high school.
While deployed in Afghanistan, Devine was severely injured when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device was detonated just over 200 feet from where he was standing. The explosion knocked him unconscious, as he hit his head on the concrete. While he was able to finish his deployment, he suffered from severe migraines throughout, and was later diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury, occipital nerve damage, hearing loss, sleep apnea, and tinnitus, all stemming from the explosion. He also suffers from PTSD.
For his service to his country, Devine was awarded the Army Commendation Medal (3X), Navy Achievement Medal (5X), Combat Action Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal (6X), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (3X), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, among other accolades.
Devine and his children received their mortgage-free home in Pensacola, Florida, in July 2021.
DANIEL DEVINE
Sergeant Alberto Montrond enlisted in the military in 1998 after graduating high school and went on to serve four tours with the 528th Special Operations Support Command in Iraq, Jordan and Afghanistan. In 2005, Montrond became one of the first soldiers in the new Group Support Battalion for the 7th Special Forces Group and was a driving force in enabling the new company to activate, train, deploy and fight in just four months.
In February 2006, while deployed in Afghanistan to recover mission-essential special operations equipment, Montrond lost his life when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated near his Humvee. He was survived by his wife, Christl, and four children.
For his service to the nation, Montrond was awarded the Bronze Star for valor, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (3X), Army Achievement Medal (4X), Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge and Driver and Mechanic badges.
In March 2021, after battling health issues for two years, Christl Montrond passed away. The Montronds’ oldest daughter, Nazeraeh, 21, became the legal guardian of her three siblings. She has a full-time job and is also in college, working on a bachelor’s degree in health sciences with concentrations in behavioral health sciences and health care administration.
A Gold Star family, the Montronds received their mortgage-free home in Wesley Chapel, Fla., on Aug. 25, 2022.
Alberto Montrond
Technical Sergeant Rahmeka Hopkins joined the military in 2004 for the honor of serving her country and served for 15 years before being discharged in 2019. Working in special operations, Hopkins operated daily in a fast-paced environment where situations were critical and life-changing. Made susceptible to obtaining invisible wounds, Hopkins woke up one day in 2017 and knew something was wrong with her.
It took 35 hospitalizations, six months at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and more than seven different specialists to determine that she contracted a rare form of cancer, presumed to be from chemical exposure. Hopkins also suffers from severe nerve damage and malignant arthritis that cause pain in her legs and feet to confine her to a wheelchair.
For her service to the nation, Hopkins was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Achievement Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Korean Defense Service Medal.
Hopkins and her family received their mortgage-free home in Lakeland, Fla., on Oct. 22, 2022.
RAHMEKA HOPKINS
Petty Officer Second Class Anthony Thompson joined the military because he felt a calling to serve his country and wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps. He joined out of Houston in 2003 and served until he was medically retired in 2010.
In April 2007, while deployed in Iraq, Thompson and seven Marines were standing post at a bridge that was struck by a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device. Thompson was thrown 25 feet in the air by the explosion and landed 50 feet below the bridge on a concrete pile of rubble. The resulting severe traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury have left Thompson in a wheelchair, and he is non-communicative.
For his service to the nation, Thompson was awarded the Purple Heart, National Defense
Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal (2X), Iraq Campaign Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Navy Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon and Enlisted Fleet Marine Force Warfare Specialist and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
Thompson, his wife and their son received their newly renovated home in Houston on Nov. 11, 2022.
ANTHONY THOMPSON
Army Private First Class Teuila Lobendahn joined the military because it was her childhood dream and something she promised herself that she would do. Following in the footsteps of her grandfather and additional family members who have served, she joined in Hawaii in October 2006 and was honorably discharged in December 2008.
During her service, Army PFC Lobendahn began to experience migraines when she was deployed in Afghanistan. She states that when she was in Bagram Air Force Base, she began to notice the migraines would begin whenever they worked in the bun pits and they progressively became worse after transitioning to Orgun-E FOB. She now suffers from major depressive disorder, anxious distress, migraine headaches, and bilateral pes planus and bilateral plantar fasciitis (loss of feeling in feet and swelling)
The years of war in Afghanistan and Iraq have brought many mental health conditions, including PTSD, among military personnel to the attention of the American people as never before. Most sufferers of chronic mental health conditions repeatedly relive the trauma in their thoughts during the day and in nightmares when they sleep. While the condition varies from person to person, more and more studies have linked these conditions with chronic depression and suicidal ideation.
For her service to his country, PFC Teuila Lobendahn has been awarded the Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal W/ Bronze Service Star, and the Overseas Service Bar (2).
Teuila Lobendahn
Army Staff Sergeant Martin Jones served in ROTC in high school and based on the values that he learned from there, he made a commitment to continue his service in the United States Army. He enlisted as a senior in High School on November 5, 1987 and after honorably serving his country for 20 years, he was medically retired on May 24 2007. Staff Sergeant Jones states that he served in every conflict since the first gulf war. During his years of service, he was part of many missions and was exposed to situations that would affect his mental and physical health. He states that some of his hardest times were during September 2005.
During this timeframe, he was exposed to two IEDs hitting his convoy, leading his team to be a part of a 4 hour gun fight. Then again, during a convoy security detail, a suicide bomber drove head on into the vehicle he was in, crushing his wrist and injuring his head and back. Then shortly after in October 2005, while serving as the gunner in the lead vehicle during another convoy security, an IED blew up in front of his convoy. The exposure burned the left side of his face, he took shrapnel in his gut, and he was knocked unconscious.
Staff Sergeant Jones suffers from a TBI, hearing loss, post concussion syndrome, migraines, nerve damage in his left hand, total disc replacement of his L5-S1 in his back, and PTSD. Staff Sergeant Jones is taking part in his own recovery and he works to help and serve homeless veterans.
For his service to his country, Staff Sergeant Jones has received the Purple Heart, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2nd Award), Army Achievement Medal (2nd Award), Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (2nd Award), National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, South West Asia Service Medal W/ Bronze Service Star, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal W/ M Device (2nd Award), KU-LIB-MDL (Kuwait), Combat Infantryman Badge (2nd Award), and the Driver And Mechanic Badge With Driver – Wheeled Vehicle (S) Clasp.
MARTIN JONES
Army Sergeant Robert Scott III graduated high school in 1991 and attended Norfolk State University in Virginia. He graduated college in 1999 with aBachelors Degree in Finance and Bachelors Degree in Economics. From there, he obtained a job at Spear, Leeds & Kellogg/ Goldman Sachs as a Broker Trading Assistance on the New York Stock Exchange. On September 11, 2001, he missed the early train to go to work in Manhattan, NY. On that day, he experienced the tragedy of the terrorist attacks first hand and the loss of several of his friends and colleagues. He knew he wanted to help protect the freedoms of his great country and joined the United States Army in February 2005. He honorably served his country for 7 years before being medically discharged in February 2012.
On February 27, 2009, while deployed in Iraq, Army Sergeant Scott II was injured due to a Tanker Blast he was involved in. At the time of the incident, he continued to assist his fellow comrades but passed out shortly after due to a blood clot that traveled to his lungs from his leg. This blood clot cut the flow of oxygen to his body and caused Sudden Cardiac Death. While in a coma, he was transported to Walter Reed for initial treatment and then later transferred to Richmond McGuire in Richmond, VA, the Defense Veterans Brain Injury Center in Johnstown, PA, and then back to Walter Reed for additional treatments.
Sergeant Scott III suffers from a TBI, dementia due to anoxic brain injury, hypertension, and post sudden cardiac arrest. Due to his injuries and ongoing daily struggles, his mother Valence is his full time caretaker.
For his service to his country, Sergeant Scott III has been awarded the Army achievement Medal (2 Award), Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Good Conduct Medal (2 Award), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal W/ Campaign Star, Army Service Ribbon, and the Overseas Service Ribbon.
Robert scott III
fundraising page
A MESSAGE From our 2020 Hero
Click on each image for more.
We give back to severely injured veterans and their families by gifting mortgage-free homes and raising funds through the national nonprofit organization
In 2013, SAIC joined forces with Building Homes for Heroes (BHH), which builds and modifies homes and then gifts them — mortgage-free — to veterans and their families. To date, SAIC has helped donate 14 homes to our military heroes and their families and raised $639,000 through BHH. SAIC is proud to support BHH’s mission and is committed to supporting our veterans and all those serving in our military.
SAIC employees play a big role in our support of BHH and veterans. Before each new home is gifted to a veteran, our employee volunteers help perform final welcome preparations. They also show their generosity through direct contributions. We continue to raise money for veterans and their families through BHH at our fundraising page.
This year, SAIC is honored to support the gifting of homes to our newest BHH heroes: U.S. Army Private First Class Teuila Lobendahn and Army Staff Sergeant Martin Jones. See our BHH heroes gallery below for their stories.
Heroes and SAIC Restore VETERAN LIVES AND HOPE
Building Homes for
$639K
TOTAL funds RAISED
More Than
Donate Now
BHH GIFTS
BHH RANKINGS
Charity navigator Score (out of 100)
96
rating on guideStar
PLATINUM
Charity navigator Rating
1
Home
Every
11 Days
U.S. Army Specialist
Andrew Toppin
2013
U.S. Air Force
Master Sergeant
Joseph Deslauriers
2014
U.S. Army Specialist
Hugo Gonzalez
2015
U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant
Christopher Claude
2016
U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant
Kirstie Ennis
2017
U.S. Air Force Major
Gabriel Gonzalez
2018
U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant
Lloyd Howard Jr.
2018
U.S. Navy Lieutenant
Patrick Ferguson
2019
U.S. Navy
Petty Officer
Isaac Francois
2020
U.S. Navy
Petty Officer
Daniel Devine
2021
U.S. Army Sergeant
Alberto Montrond
2022
U.S. Air Force Technical Sergeant
Rahmeka Hopkins
2022
U.S. Navy
Petty Officer
Anthony Thompson
2022
U.S. Army
Private First Class
Teuila Lobendahn
2023
U.S. Army
Staff Sergeant
Martin Jones
2023
U.S. Army
Sergeant
Robert Scott III
2023
OUR BHH HEROES
In December 2009, Specialist Andrew Toppin was injured in Iraq when he drove over an IED and his vehicle caught fire. He suffered the loss of his right leg and injuries to his face, arms, and left leg in the blast and resulting fire.
Toppin, his wife, and their two small children received a home in Houston in 2013.
Andrew Toppin
Master Sergeant Joe Deslauriers, a 1st Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal technician, was injured in an IED blast while serving in Afghanistan in 2011. The explosion resulted in Deslauriers losing both legs above the knee and his left arm at the elbow.
Deslauriers carried out two tours of duty in Afghanistan and served in Iraq, Kuwait, and Kosovo. During his service, he earned the Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal, Joint Service and Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and more.
SAIC and Building Homes for Heroes gifted Deslauriers, his wife Lisa, and their son a home in Florida in October 2014.
Joe Deslauriers
Specialist Hugo Gonzalez was severely injured in Iraq in June 2004. He was on patrol when his vehicle took a direct hit from an IED and a gun battle broke out with insurgents.
As a result of the blast, Gonzalez suffered a traumatic brain injury, internal bleeding, a sinus bone fracture, a crushed optic nerve (right eye), and a macular hole (left eye), leaving him legally blind. Because of the resulting procedures, Gonzalez suffers seizures requiring long-term therapy.
Gonzalez was awarded the Purple Heart, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Combat Action Badge.
SAIC helped to welcome Gonzalez, his wife, and their three children into a home in Port St. Lucie, Florida in 2015.
Hugo Gonzalez
Gunnery Sergeant Chris Claude was injured in Iraq in 2006 when his team was ambushed by an IED. He suffered severe shrapnel wounds and burns, plus severe injuries to his right leg and left hand.
Claude also suffered nerve damage on the left side of his body, burns, abdominal wounds caused by shrapnel, and a traumatic brain injury. As a result of his injuries, he underwent an above-the-knee amputation of his left leg, and partial amputation of his left thumb.
For his service, Claude received the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2X), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2X), Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (2X), Marine Corps Recruiting Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, and Navy Unit Commendation.
SAIC and Building Homes for Heroes welcomed Claude and his daughter into their mortgage-free home in Long Pond, Pennsylvania in 2016.
CHRIS CLAUDE
Sergeant Kirstie Ennis was serving as a helicopter door gunner when her helicopter crash-landed in Afghanistan in 2012. The accident caused severe damage to her left leg that resulted in an above-the-knee amputation, a shattered jaw, severe facial lacerations, a traumatic brain injury, and PTSD.
Despite more than three dozen surgeries, Ennis has learned to walk and talk again and is a picture of perseverance and hope. She placed fifth in women’s snowboard cross at the 2018 Winter Paralympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, has summited mountains across the world, and participated in a 72-day, 1,000-mile walk across mainland Britain. Ennis created her own non-profit organization, the Kirstie Ennis Foundation, to help disadvantaged populations, including wounded veterans, gain access and confidence in the outdoors. Ennis was honored in 2019 with the Pat Tillman Award for service at the ESPYS.
SAIC and Building Homes for Heroes presented Ennis with a mortgage-free home in Colorado in 2017.
Kirstie Ennis
Major Gabriel Gonzalez was injured in Iraq while serving our country in 2017. Gonzalez suffered devastating head trauma that resulted in a traumatic brain injury, a fractured skull, and a stroke that left him unable to walk or speak.
Gonzalez, who was once confined to a wheelchair, can now walk and talk again thanks to his hard work and the dedication of his mother, Miriam. After spending several years getting to know the Gonzalez family while they waited for their home to be completed, SAIC helped to present Gonzalez and his mother with a mortgage-free home in Land O’ Lakes, Florida in December 2020.
For his service, Gonzalez was awarded the Air Medal (3X), Aerial Achievement Medal (3X), Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal (2X), Meritorious Unit Award, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (3X), Combat Readiness Medal, Air Force Recognition Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, and Afghanistan Campaign Medal (2X), among other accolades.
Gabriel Gonzalez
Staff Sergeant Lloyd Howard Jr. was conducting route clearance support when his unit was ambushed by enemy insurgents in December 2006. He was knocked unconscious by an explosive, resulting in a traumatic brain injury, PTSD, lumbar strain, nerve damage, cervical spine disorder, and other debilitating health issues.
For his service, Howard was awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (4X), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3X), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (8X), National Defense Service Medal (2X), Iraq Campaign Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, and Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation (2X).
SAIC helped to welcome Howard, his wife Aleshia, and their four children into a home in Pierce, Florida.
Lloyd Howard Jr.
Lieutenant Patrick Ferguson joined the Navy in 1991 out of the desire to serve our country and continue his family’s long legacy of military service. During his service, he sustained numerous physical and psychological injuries, many of which resulted from his many training operations and deployments. He sustained more than a dozen concussions, and his deployments to hostile territories have left him with severe PTSD. He also suffers from bilateral knee injuries, chronic migraines, tinnitus, and a traumatic brain injury.
For his service, Ferguson was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon (2X), Good Conduct Medal (3X), Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Star, Joint Service Commendation Medal (2X), Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (5X), and National Defense Service Medal.
In December 2019, SAIC volunteers helped to prepare the Ferguson home for the holidays and welcomed Ferguson, his two boys, and his service dog, Ajax, into their new home.
Patrick Ferguson
Petty Officer Second Class Isaac Francois served for 10 years in the Navy before being honorably discharged after his diagnoses of bilateral compartment syndrome and PTSD, which resulted from his tour in Afghanistan. Bilateral compartment syndrome is a condition where there is insufficient blood flow to parts of the body. As a result of his condition, he has undergone seven operations on his leg.
For his service, Francois was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Global War Terrorism Medal, Good Conduct Medal (3X), Meritorious Unit Commendation, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, NATO Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2X), Expeditionary Medal, and Fleet Marine Force Ribbon.
SAIC helped to welcome Francois, his wife Wisline, and their three kids into their home in Lusby, Maryland on September 11, 2020, on the 19th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
Isaac Francois
Petty Officer First Class Daniel Devine was a senior in high school when the tragic attacks of September 11 took place and called him to serve and protect his country. He enlisted out of Winter Haven, Florida in 2002, just three days after graduating high school.
While deployed in Afghanistan, Devine was severely injured when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device was detonated just over 200 feet from where he was standing. The explosion knocked him unconscious, as he hit his head on the concrete. While he was able to finish his deployment, he suffered from severe migraines throughout, and was later diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury, occipital nerve damage, hearing loss, sleep apnea, and tinnitus, all stemming from the explosion. He also suffers from PTSD.
For his service to his country, Devine was awarded the Army Commendation Medal (3X), Navy Achievement Medal (5X), Combat Action Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal (6X), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (3X), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, among other accolades.
Devine and his children received their mortgage-free home in Pensacola, Florida, in July 2021.
DANIEL DEVINE
Sergeant Alberto Montrond enlisted in the military in 1998 after graduating high school and went on to serve four tours with the 528th Special Operations Support Command in Iraq, Jordan and Afghanistan. In 2005, Montrond became one of the first soldiers in the new Group Support Battalion for the 7th Special Forces Group and was a driving force in enabling the new company to activate, train, deploy and fight in just four months.
In February 2006, while deployed in Afghanistan to recover mission-essential special operations equipment, Montrond lost his life when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated near his Humvee. He was survived by his wife, Christl, and four children. For his service to the nation, Montrond was awarded the Bronze Star for valor, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (3X), Army Achievement Medal (4X), Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge and Driver and Mechanic badges.
In March 2021, after battling health issues for two years, Christl Montrond passed away. The Montronds’ oldest daughter, Nazeraeh, 21, became the legal guardian of her three siblings. She has a full-time job and is also in college, working on a bachelor’s degree in health sciences with concentrations in behavioral health sciences and health care administration.
A Gold Star family, the Montronds received their mortgage-free home in Wesley Chapel, Fla., on Aug. 25, 2022.
Alberto Montrond
Technical Sergeant Rahmeka Hopkins joined the military in 2004 for the honor of serving her country and served for 15 years before being discharged in 2019. Working in special operations, Hopkins operated daily in a fast-paced environment where situations were critical and life-changing. Made susceptible to obtaining invisible wounds, Hopkins woke up one day in 2017 and knew something was wrong with her.
It took 35 hospitalizations, six months at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and more than seven different specialists to determine that she contracted a rare form of cancer, presumed to be from chemical exposure. Hopkins also suffers from severe nerve damage and malignant arthritis that cause pain in her legs and feet to confine her to a wheelchair.
For her service to the nation, Hopkins was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Achievement Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Korean Defense Service Medal.
Hopkins and her family received their mortgage-free home in Lakeland, Fla., on Oct. 22, 2022.
RAHMEKA HOPKINS
Petty Officer Second Class Anthony Thompson joined the military because he felt a calling to serve his country and wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps. He joined out of Houston in 2003 and served until he was medically retired in 2010.
In April 2007, while deployed in Iraq, Thompson and seven Marines were standing post at a bridge that was struck by a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device. Thompson was thrown 25 feet in the air by the explosion and landed 50 feet below the bridge on a concrete pile of rubble. The resulting severe traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury have left Thompson in a wheelchair, and he is non-communicative.
For his service to the nation, Thompson was awarded the Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal (2X), Iraq Campaign Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Navy Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon and Enlisted Fleet Marine Force Warfare Specialist and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
Thompson, his wife and their son received their newly renovated home in Houston on Nov. 11, 2022.
ANTHONY THOMPSON
Army Private First Class Teuila Lobendahn joined the military because it was her childhood dream and something she promised herself that she would do. Following in the footsteps of her grandfather and additional family members who have served, she joined in Hawaii in October 2006 and was honorably discharged in December 2008.
During her service, Army PFC Lobendahn began to experience migraines when she was deployed in Afghanistan. She states that when she was in Bagram Air Force Base, she began to notice the migraines would begin whenever they worked in the bun pits and they progressively became worse after transitioning to Orgun-E FOB. She now suffers from major depressive disorder, anxious distress, migraine headaches, and bilateral pes planus and bilateral plantar fasciitis (loss of feeling in feet and swelling)
The years of war in Afghanistan and Iraq have brought many mental health conditions, including PTSD, among military personnel to the attention of the American people as never before. Most sufferers of chronic mental health conditions repeatedly relive the trauma in their thoughts during the day and in nightmares when they sleep. While the condition varies from person to person, more and more studies have linked these conditions with chronic depression and suicidal ideation.
For her service to his country, PFC Teuila Lobendahn has been awarded the Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal W/ Bronze Service Star, and the Overseas Service Bar (2).
Teuila Lobendahn
Army Staff Sergeant Martin Jones served in ROTC in high school and based on the values that he learned from there, he made a commitment to continue his service in the United States Army. He enlisted as a senior in High School on November 5, 1987 and after honorably serving his country for 20 years, he was medically retired on May 24 2007. Staff Sergeant Jones states that he served in every conflict since the first gulf war. During his years of service, he was part of many missions and was exposed to situations that would affect his mental and physical health. He states that some of his hardest times were during September 2005.
During this timeframe, he was exposed to two IEDs hitting his convoy, leading his team to be a part of a 4 hour gun fight. Then again, during a convoy security detail, a suicide bomber drove head on into the vehicle he was in, crushing his wrist and injuring his head and back. Then shortly after in October 2005, while serving as the gunner in the lead vehicle during another convoy security, an IED blew up in front of his convoy. The exposure burned the left side of his face, he took shrapnel in his gut, and he was knocked unconscious.
Staff Sergeant Jones suffers from a TBI, hearing loss, post concussion syndrome, migraines, nerve damage in his left hand, total disc replacement of his L5-S1 in his back, and PTSD. Staff Sergeant Jones is taking part in his own recovery and he works to help and serve homeless veterans.
For his service to his country, Staff Sergeant Jones has received the Purple Heart, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2nd Award), Army Achievement Medal (2nd Award), Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (2nd Award), National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, South West Asia Service Medal W/ Bronze Service Star, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal W/ M Device (2nd Award), KU-LIB-MDL (Kuwait), Combat Infantryman Badge (2nd Award), and the Driver And Mechanic Badge With Driver – Wheeled Vehicle (S) Clasp.
Staff Sergeant Jones suffers from a TBI, hearing loss, post concussion syndrome, migraines, nerve damage in his left hand, total disc replacement of his L5-S1 in his back, and PTSD. Staff Sergeant Jones is taking part in his own recovery and he works to help and serve homeless veterans.
For his service to his country, Staff Sergeant Jones has received the Purple Heart, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2nd Award), Army Achievement Medal (2nd Award), Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (2nd Award), National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, South West Asia Service Medal W/ Bronze Service Star, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal W/ M Device (2nd Award), KU-LIB-MDL (Kuwait), Combat Infantryman Badge (2nd Award), and the Driver And Mechanic Badge With Driver – Wheeled Vehicle (S) Clasp.
MARTIN JONES
Army Sergeant Robert Scott III graduated high school in 1991 and attended Norfolk State University in Virginia. He graduated college in 1999 with aBachelors Degree in Finance and Bachelors Degree in Economics. From there, he obtained a job at Spear, Leeds & Kellogg/ Goldman Sachs as a Broker Trading Assistance on the New York Stock Exchange. On September 11, 2001, he missed the early train to go to work in Manhattan, NY. On that day, he experienced the tragedy of the terrorist attacks first hand and the loss of several of his friends and colleagues. He knew he wanted to help protect the freedoms of his great country and joined the United States Army in February 2005. He honorably served his country for 7 years before being medically discharged in February 2012.
On February 27, 2009, while deployed in Iraq, Army Sergeant Scott II was injured due to a Tanker Blast he was involved in. At the time of the incident, he continued to assist his fellow comrades but passed out shortly after due to a blood clot that traveled to his lungs from his leg. This blood clot cut the flow of oxygen to his body and caused Sudden Cardiac Death. While in a coma, he was transported to Walter Reed for initial treatment and then later transferred to Richmond McGuire in Richmond, VA, the Defense Veterans Brain Injury Center in Johnstown, PA, and then back to Walter Reed for additional treatments.
Sergeant Scott III suffers from a TBI, dementia due to anoxic brain injury, hypertension, and post sudden cardiac arrest. Due to his injuries and ongoing daily struggles, his mother Valence is his full time caretaker.
For his service to his country, Sergeant Scott III has been awarded the Army achievement Medal (2 Award), Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Good Conduct Medal (2 Award), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal W/ Campaign Star, Army Service Ribbon, and the Overseas Service Ribbon.
Staff Sergeant Jones suffers from a TBI, hearing loss, post concussion syndrome, migraines, nerve damage in his left hand, total disc replacement of his L5-S1 in his back, and PTSD. Staff Sergeant Jones is taking part in his own recovery and he works to help and serve homeless veterans.
For his service to his country, Staff Sergeant Jones has received the Purple Heart, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2nd Award), Army Achievement Medal (2nd Award), Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (2nd Award), National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, South West Asia Service Medal W/ Bronze Service Star, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal W/ M Device (2nd Award), KU-LIB-MDL (Kuwait), Combat Infantryman Badge (2nd Award), and the Driver And Mechanic Badge With Driver – Wheeled Vehicle (S) Clasp.
Robert scott III
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A MESSAGE From our 2020 Hero
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U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer
Jose Santiago
2024
Army Special Operations Chief Warrant Officer Jose Santiago joined the military because he wanted to follow in his family’s footsteps on military history. His father served in World War II, and his brothers served in the Vietnam War and Gulf Wars. He enlisted out of San Antonio, Texas in 1993, rose to become a member of Special Forces, and served 27 years before honorably discharging in January of 2021.
Over his nearly three decades of service, Chief Warrant Officer Santiago sustained many physical and psychological injuries. In one incident, his parachute collapsed from 100 feet during a training exercise and he injured his left ankle, knee, hip, shoulder, head and lower back. Another parachuting incident several years later reinjured his back. During one of his deployments, the vehicle he was in rolled over and he sustained a traumatic brain injury, blunt trauma to the left side of my face, and injuries to his left shoulder, neck, back, and knee. In addition to all these physical injuries, he also suffers from PTSD.
Chief Warrant Officer Santiago is the legal guardian of his disabled sister who has special needs, and he is the sole family member to provide care for his elderly mother who has a heart condition. He also has a son and a daughter who live with him as well.
For his service to his country, Chief Warrant Officer Santiago is the recipient of the Bronze Star (3rd Award), Defense Meritorious Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3rd Award), Army Commendation Medal W/ V Device, Army Commendation Medal (5th Award), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal (4th Award), Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation, USN/USMC Presidential Unit Citation, Valorous Unit Award, Army Superior Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal (4th Award), National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal W/ 3 Campaign Stars, Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (3rd Award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, Military Freefall Parachutist Badge, Jumpmaster (2nd Award), Master Parachutist Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Parachute Rigger Badge.
Army Special Operations Chief Warrant Officer Santiago and his family received their mortgage-free home in Tampa, FL, in May 2024.
Jose Santiago
Army Sergeant Robert Scott III graduated high school in 1991 and attended Norfolk State University in Virginia. He graduated college in 1999 with aBachelors Degree in Finance and Bachelors Degree in Economics. From there, he obtained a job at Spear, Leeds & Kellogg/ Goldman Sachs as a Broker Trading Assistance on the New York Stock Exchange. On September 11, 2001, he missed the early train to go to work in Manhattan, NY. On that day, he experienced the tragedy of the terrorist attacks first hand and the loss of several of his friends and colleagues. He knew he wanted to help protect the freedoms of his great country and joined the United States Army in February 2005. He honorably served his country for 7 years before being medically discharged in February 2012.
On February 27, 2009, while deployed in Iraq, Army Sergeant Scott II was injured due to a Tanker Blast he was involved in. At the time of the incident, he continued to assist his fellow comrades but passed out shortly after due to a blood clot that traveled to his lungs from his leg. This blood clot cut the flow of oxygen to his body and caused Sudden Cardiac Death. While in a coma, he was transported to Walter Reed for initial treatment and then later transferred to Richmond McGuire in Richmond, VA, the Defense Veterans Brain Injury Center in Johnstown, PA, and then back to Walter Reed for additional treatments.
Sergeant Scott III suffers from a TBI, dementia due to anoxic brain injury, hypertension, and post sudden cardiac arrest. Due to his injuries and ongoing daily struggles, his mother Valence is his full time caretaker.
For his service to his country, Sergeant Scott III has been awarded the Army achievement Medal (2 Award), Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Good Conduct Medal (2 Award), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal W/ Campaign Star, Army Service Ribbon, and the Overseas Service Ribbon.
Staff Sergeant Jones suffers from a TBI, hearing loss, post concussion syndrome, migraines, nerve damage in his left hand, total disc replacement of his L5-S1 in his back, and PTSD. Staff Sergeant Jones is taking part in his own recovery and he works to help and serve homeless veterans.
For his service to his country, Staff Sergeant Jones has received the Purple Heart, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2nd Award), Army Achievement Medal (2nd Award), Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (2nd Award), National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, South West Asia Service Medal W/ Bronze Service Star, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal W/ M Device (2nd Award), KU-LIB-MDL (Kuwait), Combat Infantryman Badge (2nd Award), and the Driver And Mechanic Badge With Driver – Wheeled Vehicle (S) Clasp.
Jose Santiago
U.S. Army Sergeant
William Watson
2024
U.S. Army Sergeant William Watson joined the military because he wanted to serve his country, travel the world, and receive an education. He joined the Army out of Cleveland, Ohio in June 1996 and after serving his country for almost 10 years, he was honorably and medically discharged in May 2007.
During his years of service, Sergeant Watson was exposed to challenging and life threatening situations, causing him physical and psychological injuries. In 2004, during his deployment overseas, an improvised explosive device (IED) hit the armored Humvee that he was in. Although he was able to get out of the vehicle, his body was on fire, and he dropped and rolled down the hill to put the flames out. Due to the effects of the blast, his left leg was severely injured and his ankle on his right leg was crushed. He had also suffered various burns on his body. Due to his injuries, Sergeant Watson underwent the amputation of his left leg below the knee, and also suffers from PTSD, burns to his body, a TBI, and tinnitus in both of his ears.
For his service to our country, Sergeant Watson has been awarded the Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal (2nd Award), Army Achievement Medal (4th Award), Army Good Conduct Medal (3rd Award), National Defense Service Medal, Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge, and the Driver And Mechanic Badge With Driver–Wheeled Vehicle (s) Clasp.
Army Sergeant William Watson and his family will be receiving mortgage free home in San Antonio, Texas in 2024.
William Watson
U.S. Army Sergeant
William Watson
2024
Army Special Operations Chief Warrant Officer Jose Santiago joined the military because he wanted to follow in his family’s footsteps on military history. His father served in World War II, and his brothers served in the Vietnam War and Gulf Wars. He enlisted out of San Antonio, Texas in 1993, rose to become a member of Special Forces, and served 27 years before honorably discharging in January of 2021.
Over his nearly three decades of service, Chief Warrant Officer Santiago sustained many physical and psychological injuries. In one incident, his parachute collapsed from 100 feet during a training exercise and he injured his left ankle, knee, hip, shoulder, head and lower back. Another parachuting incident several years later reinjured his back. During one of his deployments, the vehicle he was in rolled over and he sustained a traumatic brain injury, blunt trauma to the left side of my face, and injuries to his left shoulder, neck, back, and knee. In addition to all these physical injuries, he also suffers from PTSD.
Chief Warrant Officer Santiago is the legal guardian of his disabled sister who has special needs, and he is the sole family member to provide care for his elderly mother who has a heart condition. He also has a son and a daughter who live with him as well.
For his service to his country, Chief Warrant Officer Santiago is the recipient of the Bronze Star (3rd Award), Defense Meritorious Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3rd Award), Army Commendation Medal W/ V Device, Army Commendation Medal (5th Award), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal (4th Award), Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation, USN/USMC Presidential Unit Citation, Valorous Unit Award, Army Superior Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal (4th Award), National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal W/ 3 Campaign Stars, Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (3rd Award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, Military Freefall Parachutist Badge, Jumpmaster (2nd Award), Master Parachutist Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Parachute Rigger Badge.
Army Special Operations Chief Warrant Officer Santiago and his family will be receiving a mortgage free home in Tampa, FL in 2024.
Staff Sergeant Jones suffers from a TBI, hearing loss, post concussion syndrome, migraines, nerve damage in his left hand, total disc replacement of his L5-S1 in his back, and PTSD. Staff Sergeant Jones is taking part in his own recovery and he works to help and serve homeless veterans.
For his service to his country, Staff Sergeant Jones has received the Purple Heart, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2nd Award), Army Achievement Medal (2nd Award), Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (2nd Award), National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, South West Asia Service Medal W/ Bronze Service Star, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal W/ M Device (2nd Award), KU-LIB-MDL (Kuwait), Combat Infantryman Badge (2nd Award), and the Driver And Mechanic Badge With Driver – Wheeled Vehicle (S) Clasp.
William Watson