A Hero's Homecoming of Gratitude: Cpl. Ryan Garza's Journey to his New "Bear Hug" in Sterling Ranch
It was a day filled with emotion and gratitude as Marine Cpl. Ryan Garza received the keys to his beautiful new home in the Sterling Ranch community of Douglas County. For Garza, this home represents more than just an comfortable place to live, it is a symbol of the sacrifices he made for his country and the love and appreciation shown by a grateful loving nation.
The 100 Homes Challenge, a program by the organization Helping a Hero, aims to provide specially adapted homes to injured veterans. And Garza is one of the 100 recipients to receive a newly built house. It is a testament to his bravery and service to this country that a whole community came together to give him a home tailored to his needs.
With tears in his eyes and a trembling in his voice, Garza stood in front of a crowd of fellow veterans, home builders, and generous donors. Cpl. Garza’s broke as he spoke honorably of never giving up the fight and of being there for each other, a testament to his unwavering dedication to serving his country even after enduring four grueling tours of duty in Afghanistan.
His journey has not been an easy one. During his final deployment, Garza's vehicle hit an improvised explosive device, resulting in the loss of his right leg and sustaining brain injuries. But through it all, Garza has never lost his determination. He went through intense rehabilitation and retired from his military career in 2012.
Marine Cpl. Ryan Garza accepting his new Sterling Ranch home in Douglas County, Colorado.
For Garza, October 3 holds a special significance. It marks his Alive Day - the day he survived the attack. And on this day, he received the keys to his new Sterling Ranch home, a home built with love and gratitude by the Helping a Hero organization, Lennar Corp., and Bass Pro Shops. The founder of Bass Pro Shops, Johnny Morris, has pledged 25% of the cost of all 100 homes throughout the country, a gesture that speaks volumes about the generosity and patriotism of our nation.
When asked how he felt about his new home, Garza's response was simple – “it's a bear hug from America.” And indeed, this home is a token of appreciation and gratitude from a nation that recognizes the sacrifices made by its heroes.
Garza, who hails from San Antonio, Texas, chose Colorado as his new home due to his love for outdoor adventures and the beautiful mountains. And the Sterling Ranch community has welcomed him with open arms, recognizing the honor of having a true hero amongst them.
But for Garza, this home is not just a place to live, it is a platform to continue his dedication to service. He plans on using his new home to further his career in public speaking, where he can share his story and inspire others who may be going through similar struggles.
As he stood proudly in front of his new home, Garza spoke of his best friend, a fellow veteran who took his own life just a day before Garza's Alive Day in 2016.
And in that moment, it was evident that Garza's journey is not only one of survival but also one of hope and inspiration. He plans on using his story to help others who may be struggling and to show them that it is possible to overcome even the toughest of challenges with resilience and determination.
As the district attorney John Kellner said, heroes like Cpl. Ryan Garza are the reason that so many other soldiers have come back home whole. And now, Garza has a new home in which he can continue to inspire and spread positivity to all those around him.
So let us all come together and welcome Marine Cpl. Ryan Garza to his new home and show him that his sacrifices have not gone unnoticed.
To Cpl. Garza, and to all the brave men and women who have served our country, thank you for your service and welcome home.