By Operation FINALLY HOME

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nonprofit organization Operation FINALLY HOME joined North Atlanta local builder Portico Properties and the Southern Living Custom Builder Program (SLCBP) at the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel on Monday evening to deliver a surprise announcement to U.S. Army Sgt. Matthew Hutcheson during a special Songwriters Night Event hosted by the SLCBP.

Hutcheson, a wounded Afghanistan veteran, and his family will receive a new custom-built, mortgage-free home in the North Atlanta area this year.
Hutcheson is a decorated veteran with a number of accolades, including two Army Commendation Medals, four Army Good Conduct Medals and one Humanitarian Service award.

Throughout his time in service, Hutcheson sustained many injuries. On June 3, 2005, during his second deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Hutcheson’s convoy was hit with an improvised explosive device (IED). As a result of the attack, he suffered his second of three traumatic brain injuries (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a host of back issues. His third injury occurred on June 16, 2006, while participating in an airborne operation, further aggravating his back injuries.

“When we were presented with this opportunity to build a home for this beautiful family, there was no hesitation in making the commitment to volunteer our efforts,” said Terence Lewis, founder and president of Portico Properties. “We are very passionate about supporting the men and women in uniform and look forward to beginning this project.”

This is the first time Portico Properties is partnering with Operation FINALLY HOME to build a home for a military hero. The local builder is a proud Southern Living Custom Builder member. Southern Living will also support the project for the Hutcheson family.

“We are proud of our SLCBP members who dedicate their time and resources to giving back to our veterans,” said Greg Schumann, publisher of Southern Living. “We recognize there are thousands of wounded veterans in need of support and appreciate the work that Operation FINNALY HOME is doing to make a difference. It’s a movement we’re honored to be a part of.”

Operation FINALLY HOME is a 501(c)(3) organization with the mission to provide custom-built, mortgage-free homes to America’s heroes and the widows of the fallen who have sacrificed so much to defend our freedoms and values.