Palm Beach County, Fla. (July 26, 2022) – U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Jose Jimenez and his family, who have been living out of their RV, were surprised last week with a life-changing gift: the news that they were selected by Operation Finally Home to receive a brand-new Lennar home at Arden, South Florida’s first agrihood community.
“There are no words for what this means for me and my family, and how this will change our lives,” Jimenez said. “We are grateful to Operation Finally Home and Lennar, as well as the Arden community for such a warm welcome. I am shocked and in awe.”
Sergeant Jimenez enlisted in the U.S. Army in October 2005. In 2010, while serving in Afghanistan, Jose suffered a traumatic brain injury, temporarily losing his sight and the ability to use his legs. Still, he remained dedicated to his platoon and returned to duty one month after the incident.
Jose met his wife, Alex, also a veteran, while they were both serving in Afghanistan. Drawn together by their service and shared friends, they got to know each other better while salmon fishing after they had returned to the U.S. They married in 2012 and have a young son. As a family, they enjoy outdoor activities, building helicopter and plane models, visiting beaches and parks, and playing miniature golf, among other activities.
Jose was honorably discharged in 2013 having served nearly eight years, including two combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, and received countless other military awards, including a Purple Heart, two Army Good Conduct Medals, an Army Achievement Medal, an Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two campaign stars, and a Combat Action Medal.
Now, Lennar Palm Atlantic Division and nonprofit Operation Finally Home have partnered to build hope and a stable future for Jose and his family.
“It was an honor to join with Lennar in surprising U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Jose Jimenez and his family with the news they had been selected to receive a new home,” said Rusty Carroll, Operation Finally Home President. “It is such a blessing for us to continue to honor America’s heroes in this way.
Lennar Palm Atlantic Division President Michael Meyers added: “It is an honor to be able to give back to such a deserving family like the Jimenez’s for all of the sacrifices they have made to keep our communities safe. We look forward to continuing to work with Operation Finally Home and the Jimenez family to make sure this is a home they can call their own.”
For photos and videos of the surprise groundbreaking ceremony, click here.
ABOUT LENNAR
Lennar Corporation, founded in 1954, is one of the nation’s leading builders of quality homes for all generations. Lennar builds affordable, move-up, and active adult homes primarily under the Lennar brand name. Lennar’s Financial Services segment provides mortgage financing, title, and closing services primarily for buyers of Lennar’s homes and, through LMF Commercial, originates mortgage loans secured primarily by commercial real estate properties throughout the United States. Lennar’s Multifamily segment is a nationwide developer of high-quality multifamily rental properties. LENX drives Lennar’s technology, innovation and strategic investments. For more information about Lennar, please visit www.lennar.com.
ABOUT OPERATION FINALLY HOME
Based in New Braunfels, Texas, Operation Finally Home is a nonpartisan/nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to provide custom-built, mortgage-free homes, transitional housing, and home modifications to veterans, first responders and their families. Established in 2005, the organization has completed or is in planning on more than 380 home projects in more than 32 states. Operation Finally Home partners with corporate sponsors, builder associations, builders, remodelers, developers, individual contributors, and volunteers to help these heroes and their families by addressing one of their most pressing needs – a safe place to call home. For more information about Operation Finally Home, visit OperationFinallyHome.org, follow @OpFinallyHome on Twitter, and find us on Facebook.
ABOUT ARDEN
Arden’s scenic landscape includes 175 acres of magnificent lakes, including a mile-long central lake, 20 miles of trails, and 500 acres of parks, playgrounds, and green space. Arden is also home to one of the first agrihoods in Florida. Arden’s 5-acre farm and event barn are central components of community life here, offering fruits, vegetables, and herbs shared among the residents. Wellington’s world-famous equestrian centers are just 12 minutes from Arden. Arden is also close to major employment centers. A-rated Wellington schools, top-rated medical centers, white sand beaches, shopping, dining destinations, world-class golf, and direct access to sophisticated Palm Beach, Palm Beach International Airport, and South Florida’s major cities makes Arden’s location second to none.