KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A retired Marine injured in combat no longer has to worry about making house payments. Retired Staff Sergeant Herbert Ochoa was given a mortgage free home.
It was awarded to him during the Kansas City Royals game Thursday night in front of thousands of people.
The Royals and all of Major League Baseball took time to remember 9/11 before Thursday’s games. Three people were selected to represent the first responders and military, all of whom were essential on September 11th and in the months and years since.
After their ceremonial first pitches, men and women from Whiteman Air Force Base brought out a huge American flag.
The Royals left the dugout and stood along the first base line as the United States Marine Band played the “Star Spangled Banner.”
At the end, a fly over by the KC Flight Formation Team.
But the crowd was in for a special treat during the game.
As part of the Chevrolet ‘Everyday Hero’ segment, Ochoa was awarded a mortgage free home.
“It’s a huge thing for our family I have a place to call home for my kids, important for us new beginning for me,” explained Sgt. Ochoa.
He is a wounded combat veteran. When he returned home from Afghanistan, he ended up homeless for a couple of months. He went looking for help and found it with the Military Warriors Support Foundation. When he decided to permanently relocated to Olathe, the wheels were set in motion to help him.
Tammy LeValley says this is what the organization is designed to do.
“Means a lot to us, family be able to settle down and really get a new start on life,” LeValley, foundation spokesperson, said.
Chevrolet, Kansas City Chevy dealers and Wells Fargo all played a key role in making sure Sgt. Ochoa doesn’t have to worry about a mortgage payment again.
On a night set aside to remember and thank those who serve, protect and defend our country, it was fitting to help a hero. The nation will never forget 9/11, and Ret. Staff. Sgt. Ochoa has a happier reason to remember the day as well.
For more information about the Military Warriors Support Foundation, click on this link.
