“It’s Everything”: Air Force Hero Welcomed Home April 28, 2025
Moments after US Air Force Staff Sergeant Justin Day and his wife Rebbeca stepped into their mortgage-free home for the first time, the pair became emotional as they reflected on the journey it’s been since Justin was injured in combat.
“It is everything to know that people would do this,” said Rebecca, and Justin added: “That people care enough.”
It was an emotional day for the Days and their two young sons under bright, sunny skies in western Florida on April 16th. Day, a medically retired Air Force Special Tactics veteran and Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient, was severely injured in Afghanistan several years ago when stepped on a pressure plate initiated IED while conducting compound clearances. He was launched into the air and landed on his back. He lost his right foot, sustained severe hand injuries, and the lower half of his leg was stripped of all soft tissue.
It began the start of a new chapter in life for the Days as they were Joined by the Building Homes for Heroes team and its sponsors SAIC, the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors, crew from the Campbell Ferrin construction team and hundreds from the local community to celebrate his homecoming.
Ian Ferguson, vice president and chief technology officer for SAIC, noted to the local news that the company has supported Building Homes for Heroes for 12 years, with Day’s home marking their 19th such contribution.“ The word ‘home’ holds great significance,” Ferguson said during the ceremony. “It refers to our nation, for those of us serving overseas, to the communities in which we live, and to the houses where we raise our families. We are honored to help provide a place that you and your family will call home.”
This home was also made possible through a significant contribution form the Graiff Foundation.
Building Homes for Heroes thanks Justin for his service and sacrifice and sends its appreciation to all who joined us for this special day!
