A touching scene unfolded Friday morning as a former U.S. Army specialist and his two young daughters were surprised with the life-changing news that they would be receiving a mortgage-free home.
The event, held in the 10000 block of Braided Briar Lane in Woodway, highlighted generosity and community support led by BAM Builders and Operation Finally Home.
Jakob William Spraggins, a 32-year-old combat veteran and Robinson native, thought he was attending a routine meeting with BAM Builders to discuss preliminary housing plans. Instead, he was met with an escort of law enforcement officers and Patriot Guard Riders who guided him to the homesite. There, community members and representatives from BAM Builders and Operation Finally Home awaited with the surprise announcement.
“I feel like I just won the lottery,” Spraggins said, his voice filled with emotion. “I haven’t had much luck in my life, but today, it feels like it all came at once. I’m extremely grateful for everything and everyone who made this possible.”
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Inspired by his grandfather’s service in the U.S. Navy and the 9/11 terror attacks, Spraggins enlisted in the U.S. Army after graduating from Robinson High School in 2010. He served as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division, deploying to Afghanistan in 2012. During his service, Spraggins endured life-threatening combat scenarios, including improvised explosive device blasts and intense firefights, while conducting reconnaissance and training Afghan forces. He also performed lifesaving measures for fellow soldiers.
Spraggins was medically discharged in 2015 after suffering physical injuries and the mental toll of war. His service earned him numerous accolades, including the Combat Action Badge and the Army Commendation Medal. Despite the challenges, Spraggins said he has remained steadfast in his commitment to his daughters and his community.
“This year has been one of the hardest I’ve ever been through,” he said. “I just held onto hope and faith, and here we are today.”
Operation Finally Home, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing custom-built, mortgage-free homes for veterans and first responders, partnered with BAM Builders to make this dream a reality.
“Jakob’s story is one of resilience, bravery, and selflessness,” said Lee Kirgan, vice president of Operation Finally Home. “It’s an honor to give back to someone who has sacrificed so much for our country.”
The ceremony included an invitation for the public to participate in future milestones, such as writing messages of support on the home’s framework before drywall installation.
Spraggins said this new home represents a fresh start and a brighter future for his daughters, Karenna and Lillie.
“This allows me to give them the best position moving forward,” he said. “I’m focused on doing everything I can to pay this forward to the Waco and veterans’ community.”
Kirgan said the selection process for recipients is rigorous. Operation Finally Home partners with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and military hospitals, such as Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland, to identify candidates using stringent criteria, Kirgan said. This ensures recipients are not only deserving but also represent the values of the community and companies that come together to build these homes, he added.
“Building these homes at a fraction of the typical cost requires immense collaboration and trust,” Kirgan explained. “That’s why the selection process takes at least six months, including thorough background checks.”
While looking at the site of his future home Friday morning, Spraggins reflected on his journey and how far he has come over the past 15 years. He said he had a message for others facing challenges.
“To anybody struggling, veteran or not, just know you’re never alone,” Spraggins said. “There are a million people out there just like you. All you have to do is reach out. That might be the hardest thing, but at the end of the day, that’s all it takes.
“I’ve found peace through servitude or returning to nature. Go hug a tree, man. Go diving. Go realize what is much more in this world, and suddenly your problems might feel a little less.”
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