Nobody was allowed to call dibs on a room Tuesday afternoon as Tyler Welty’s family explored their new digs in wide-eyed fashion.
Soon, though, the former noncommissioned officer and his wife and children will be hauling and opening boxes in their new home in Long County, thanks to the Military Warriors Support Foundation’s Home 4 Wounded Heroes program and Wells Fargo.
The surprise on the family’s face was evident as they pulled into the driveway to see their home for the first time.
“I was flabbergasted,” Welty said. “I couldn’t believe this was the house. It’s the biggest blessing I’ve ever had. It’s incredible.”
Gov. Brian Kemp, who was on hand for the event, handed the set of keys to the house to Welty before the family went inside for the first time.
“First lady Marty Kemp and I get to go to a lot of cool events but I can tell you, this is one of the coolest,” Gov. Kemp said. “We cannot thank you all enough for what you’ve done. In my opinion, we owe every veteran and service member a debt of gratitude.”
The family wasn’t told which house was going to be theirs, so their surprise and astonishment at the new two-story home — which is mortgage-free — was genuine. Mungo Homes built the home.
“Those who sacrificed for our country deserve our deepest gratitude and support,” said Fred Bricketto, Mungo Homes Savannah market president. “As homebuilders, we don’t always get to see the joy our work brings. Today, we have that privilege.”
Welty, who is medically retired from the Army, grew up in Cusseta, not far from Columbus and Fort Benning. He enlisted in the Army and completed infantry one-station unit training and airborne school at Fort Benning.
He was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division and twice deployed to Afghanistan. He was injured in combat in 2012 and received a Purple Heart.
He was award six Army Commendation Medals, four Army Achievement Medals and the Meritorious Unit Commendation. He was medically retired in 2022 after 13 years in the service, leaving as a sergeant first class.
“I loved the Army,” Welty said, adding he planned to put in 20 years before he was medically retired. “I traveled all over the world, all over the country. It was the greatest experience of my life. It came with a lot of sacrifice, but it’s all been worth it.”
He and his wife Reanna have five children, ranging in age from 15 years old to 4 months old. Along with the home, the Weltys get family financial mentoring, courtesy of the Military Warriors Support Foundation. The home also represents stability to them, Tyler Welty said.
“We’re moving down the street,” he said. “My kids go to school here. We don’t have to change schools.”
Gov. Kemp said the state, home to more than 700,000 veterans, has taken steps and enacted laws to make being a veteran in Georgia easier.
“Marty and I are truly honored to be here with someone who embodies that commitment to service above self,” he said. “We are grateful. We are grateful for your service but also that of your family. This is a great day for Tyler and his family. We wouldn’t have our freedoms without guys like this.”
