GREENFIELD, Ind. — On Oct. 18, a retired army veteran was honored for his service with a new home.
Retired Army Sgt. Michael Burroughs and his family were gifted a mortgage-free home by a national nonprofit called Building Homes for Heroes.
Sgt. Burroughs, his wife, Yadira, and their five children were presented with the keys to their new home in a patriotic-themed ceremony Wednesday, Oct. 18.
As part of this program, Burroughs and his family will not have to make mortgage payments on their new home.
Burroughs enlisted in the Army in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks when he was just 18 years old. He served three tours overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan from January 2004 to July 2008.
Following the conclusion of his third tour of duty, Burroughs was honorably discharged after four-and-a-half years of service. Since returning home, Burroughs has struggled with PTSD, tinnitus, bursitis in his right elbow and GERD. Burroughs said his PTSD began during his third tour of duty when he saw and experienced a series of disturbing events.
For his service to the United States Army, Burroughs was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal Campaign Star (2nd Award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge and the Parachutist Badge.