Army veteran injured in Iraq surprised with dream home in North Texas

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A veteran injured by an IED blast in Iraq got the keys to her dream home on Friday.

With help from a grant and a well-oiled organization, Charlotte Ferris and her family are finally home.

Patriot Guard Riders escorted retired U.S. Army Specialist Charlotte Ferris and her four children to their brand new home in Weatherford.

The single mother of four is a 100-percent disabled veteran.

In 2003, while driving through Mosel, Iraq, an IED exploded under Ferris’ truck.

She had a broken ankle and ruptured ear drum from the blast. Ferris now suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a traumatic brain injury.

"She now knows that, no matter what, she has a roof over her head," said Dan Wallrath, founder of Operation Finally Home.

Operation Finally Home is a non-profit organization that provides custom built homes for veterans in need.

"We've got folks out there, like Charlotte, who have been injured and have given and come back, and they need our help," Wallrath added.

Ferris knew she was going to receive a home, but had no idea it was going to be fully furnished.

"I just want to say thank you to everyone who had a part in this," Ferris said.

She tried to take it all in. While touring her new home with her children, she realized they will all have their own rooms.

"I couldn't put into words, it's a very humbling experience to come into here and having everybody out here for me and my kids," Ferris added.

"Great family, she's very humble, one of these that doesn't believe that she deserves this but we differ with that. We know that she deserves it and we're glad to be part of honoring her with a mortgage free home," said Ronnie Lyles, project manager for Operation Finally Home.

"Thank you for everyone who's come here and showed up. It's truly a blessing. Blessing in disguise because I didn't know all this was happening," Ferris said.

Operation Finally Home started in Houston 14 years ago.

It's operating in 33 states and has built and gifted more than 200 homes to America's heroes and widows of the fallen.