And now for something completely different, and sure to stir up those off-season allergies. A Houston-area woman whose husband died from complications of wounds suffered in Iraq attended the Houston Texans game on Saturday, expecting to receive some Christmas gifts for her five-year-old son. Instead, Sara Wood got a mortgage-free home.
“They pulled us out a few minutes before halftime because they said they have a gift basket and some gifts for Landon,” Wood said.
That was all true. But in addition, they got a brand new house that day.
Sara Wood and her son had been living in a room at their parents’ house since Wood’s husband, Staff Sgt. Scott Wood, died on Nov. 20. The Marine, who had served in Afghanistan and Iraq, died from complications with the medication he had been taking since he was injured in Iraq in 2006.
The non-profit organization Bay Area Builders Association Support Our Troops (BABASOT), under its program “Operation Finally Home,” had contacted Sara Wood, an ex-Marine herself, after her husband’s death and invited her to the Texans game.
“We’re a huge Texans family,” Wood said. “Scott never missed a Texans game.” In fact, Scott Wood was buried wearing an Andre Johnson jersey.
The home was built by Houston-area contractor Dan Wallrath, who organized Operation Finally Home and donates the labor in conjunction with BABASOT. Local businesses donate money for the land and materials. You can learn more here. Since 2005, Wallrath has built 14 homes for needy veterans and/or their families.
So my 2011-12 fantasy football team name is hereby changed to “Off the Wallrath”, because that’s a true superstar’s name. Even if the fantasy team it represents is, um, in need of some major reconstruction work.
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Iraq veteran’s emotional widow and son surprised at NFL game with gift of mortgage-free home [Daily Mail]
