https://vimeo.com/651819996
About U.S Army Veteran Sergeant Aaron Cabrera
U.S. Army Veteran Sergeant Aaron Cabrera was born in Havana, Cuba, where both his father and grandfather were political prisoners. Following his father’s release, the family eventually sought political asylum in the United States, where they settled in Miami. On September 11th, 2001, as he watched the events unfold at the World Trade Center, he was inspired to defend his country. The very next day, he met with a recruiter – a meeting that would lead to eight years and 10 months in the Army, including two combat tours in Iraq.
During his first tour, in 2004, an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated behind him, causing an injury that required a five-month hospital stay. Even still, he returned to Iraq as soon as his recovery allowed. He went on to serve for nearly a decade before being medically retired with honors in 2011. His heroic acts have earned him recognition as a Purple Heart, a Combat Action Badge, an Iraq Campaign Medal with two stars, five Army Commendation Medals, two Army Good Conduct Medals and a Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, among other awards and decorations.
There aren’t enough words or actions to thank our military heroes, like Sergeant Cabrera, for the sacrifices they make every day – and we know how important it is to the entire Santa Rita Ranch community to care for our veterans. So, when we heard U.S. Army Veteran Sergeant Aaron Cabrera’s story, we knew that we wanted to be a part of finding him a forever home right here on The Ranch.
Operation Finally Home & HEB Operation Appreciation
That’s why we’re so proud that on November 16th, we were able to welcome this inspiring family to join our community! Through a partnership with H-E-B Operation Appreciation and Operation FINALLY HOME, we surprised Sergeant Cabrera with a mortgage free home in Liberty Hill from Highland Homes.
He and his family were invited to a ceremony at the H-E-B on Ronald Reagan Boulevard, where a group of Purple Heart recipients were honored by the community. Just before the ribbon cutting, we joined our partners at Operation Finally Home, Highland Homes and H-E-B to deliver the surprise reveal. Santa Rita Ranch is one more incredible family stronger, and we’re so excited for the Cabrera family to enjoy a wonderful life here.
And we couldn’t do it without amazing organizations like Operation FINALLY HOME, a nonprofit based in New Braunfels committed to providing homes and home modifications to America’s military heroes, first responders and widows of the fallen. Since their founding in 2005, they’ve dedicated 300+ home projects across 30+ states by teaming up with partners like H-E-B Operation Appreciation, Highland Homes, and of course, all of us here at Santa Rita Ranch. We’re grateful for everything they do for those who have given so much.
