Retired U.S. Marine Corps. Staff Sgt. Ray Coffey and his family have a brand new home to live in, thanks to Operation FINALLY HOME and Henley Homes Inc.
Coffey is a hero in every sense of the word. During his first tour in Iraq in 2003, his convoy was ambushed. Though he sustained wounds on the back of legs due to enemy fire, he continued to place himself in the line of fire to help his fellow soldiers. Coffey would return again to Iraq in 2004, and was responsible for leading his unit during an intense firefight while on patrol. Coffey bravely drew enemey fire away from his troops so they could evacuate. After being hit by an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) and multiple other blasts, Coffey continued to fight until he was medically evacuated.
Staff Sgt. still suffers from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), a brain injury, cognitive disorders, and has undergone several surgeries. For his service, he has received the Purple Heart, a Navy and Marine Achievement Medal, and a Bronze Star.
On January 31, 2015, through the partnership of Operation FINALLY HOME and Henley Homes, Inc., Staff Sgt. Ray Coffey, his wife, and three children received a brand new custom home in Santa Rita Ranch in Georgetown, TX. Hundreds came out to welcome the Coffeys into their new home, including UT’s longhorn mascot Bevo (pictured above with Owner Steve Anthony, his wife, and youngest daughter), patriotic and veteran biker groups, boy scout troops, a color gaurd, and the Liberty Hill marching band. Among the honored guests and speakers were Henley Homes, Inc co-owner Gary Henley, Operation FINALLY HOME founder Dan Wallrath, Congressman John Carter, and Retired Lt. General Willie Williams.
Dan Wallrath (pictured above) started Operation FINALLY HOME in 2005 with the mission to provide Americans the ability to honor and thank America’s wounded and disabled veterans and the widows of the fallen who have sacrificed to defend our freedom and values. OPF brings trades and suppliers together to donate materials and labor to build homes for wounded veterans mortgage free.
Congressman John Carter (pictured above) presented the Coffey’s with an American Flag that had been flown over the White House in their honor.
Highly decorated Retired Lt. General Willie Williams (pictured above) shared Staff Sgt. Coffey’s story and thanked him for his service to our country. The Coffeys mentioned this being a life-changing moment for them and look forward to putting their roots down in the community.
You can see more photos from the dedication on our Facebook Page.
TimberTown was honored to play a small part in this construction by providing the framing lumber and composite decking for the Coffey’s porch and deck. Austin Deck Company generously donated their labor.