Joseph Saunders is walking on cloud nine.
On Aug. 12, Saunders received a phone call from Operation Homefront while at work on post. He was notified that he and his wife had been selected to receive a mortgage-free home.
Saunders, a material expediter contractor for the Logistics Readiness Center, hurried to tell his supervisor.
"It's like a million dollar lottery," he said. "I couldn't hardly breathe. Everyone was happy for me."
Operation Homefront is a nonprofit organization that provides emergency financial and other assistance to the families of service members and wounded warriors.
The organization awards mortgage-free homes to service members and veterans through its Homes on the Homefront program. Recipients must undergo a six-month- to three-year trial period, working with a case manager and attending financial education courses to learn about the responsibilities of credit and home-ownership.
During this time, a lien is placed on the home. At the end of the trial period, they receive the deed to the house, free and clear.
The only costs to the service member or veteran are the upkeep for the home and any taxes or applicable home-owner association fees.
Saunders is a former Army specialist who was medically discharged due to a serious back injury he sustained while serving in Iraq in 2007.
Operation Homefront officially awarded the Catonsville home to Saunders and his wife, Tara, on Aug. 31 during the American Le Mans Series at the Grand Prix of Baltimore. The presentation was made in cooperation with Operation Homefront's corporate partners in the project -- Wells Fargo and SERKET Racing. Wells Fargo owned the property and donated it to the program. SERKET Racing, a Porsche race team, made a financial contribution to the project and donates 25 percent of its sponsorship dollars to veteran and military charities.
"This new home will provide Joe and Tara with a tremendous opportunity to start the next chapter in their lives," said Nick Kaylor, spokesperson for Operation Homefront.
To receive a home through the program, applicants must either be in the military or a veteran and must not currently be a home owner. An applicant cannot have committed a felony, and must meet income and family size requirements.
Kaylor said an applicant's ties to the community where a house is located is also a consideration.
The Saunders have received a newly renovated, Victorian-style, brick single-family home. The 1,159-square-foot house features three bedrooms,1.5 bathrooms, wood floors, a partially finished basement, a Jacuzzi and a covered back patio. The property is located 15 minutes from downtown Baltimore.
Saunders and his wife are first-time home owners and currently live in Laurel.
Operation Homefront is scheduled to present them with the keys to their new home on Oct. 24. The couple is responsible for covering their moving costs to Catonsville.
"It was hard for me to keep my composure, I feel so blessed," Saunders said. "This is a great country. What more can a person hope for? What more can a man give his wife?"
Saunders said Tara is elated.
"She's ecstatic," he said. "She started crying when I told her. She's really happy and thankful."
After serving in Iraq, Saunders was a unit supply specialist with the 2nd Engineering Battalion at the White Sands Missile Range in White Sands, N.M. When it was determined that he was not fit for duty due to his back injury, Saunders was medically discharged in September 2010.
He then worked as a DoD security guard at the missile range until his recurring injury led him to be disqualified because he was unable to meet the jobs's physical requirements. Saunders' employment ended in June 2012.
While Saunders was undergoing a medical review prior to his civilian job, he and his wife applied for a home through Operation Homefront. When his job ended at the missile range, the couple later left New Mexico to live with Saunders' father in Upper Marlboro. He was hired to work at Fort Meade last October with the assistance of the Veterans Administration.
An ordained Baptist minister, Saunders said he and his wife intend to pay off their bills and make sure their credit remains in good standing.
"I'm looking to get my own church, if God is willing," he said. "Start off small, and as God increases, go from there."
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