Home giveaway surprises wounded SWFL war hero, family

ESTERO, Fla.- With American flags in hand, Corkscrew Shores community members welcomed a retired Marine and his family to the neighborhood where the family’s new home will soon be built.

“I can’t believe this, it was a total surprise, I had no idea,” said Sgt. Geoffrey Heath who was shocked to see the support of dozens of future neighbors.

Heath served in both Iraq and Afghanistan but his 10-year military career ended in Afghanistan after an IED blew up right next to him.

“I was in close proximity to the blast. I lost half of my right eye and I had a brain injury and hurt my leg,” Heath said. “Other than that… I’m alive.”

A convoy of motorcycles met the family Friday at the community gate and escorted them to the big surprise.

Heath’s family was selected to receive the home mortgage free through a program with Pulte Homes that provides wounded veterans with housing.

“We thought we were meeting with builders today and then we thought we were in competition with other people, other families,” Heath said. “I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders.”

“It’s going to make him whole again, so we are happy to be a small part of providing their dream,” said Rusty Carroll, executive director of Operation Finally Home.

“This is just incredible what these people have done for me and my family,” Heath said. “A resounding thank you!”

The family is expecting to move into their new home in the fall.