Purple Heart veteran gifted home

A local veteran was welcomed with open arms to a home gifted by U.S. Bank and Ashton Woods today. 

U.S. Army Sgt. Christopher Hayden received the keys to his new Amarillo Creek home on North Eva Lane this morning through a donation by U.S. Bank through its Housing Opportunities after Military Engagement program with the Freedom Alliance’s Heroes to Homeowners program. 

Hayden suffered a traumatic brain injury after a vehicle borne improvised explosive device slammed into a Humvee next to his car, which caught fire and was hit with shrapnel in April 2005. He was later awarded a Purple Heart Medal for the incident. 

He returned to Fort Drum and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant, re-enlisted, and eventually returned to Fort Benning before being medically discharged in 2008, later upgraded to a medical retirement in 2022. 

“Christopher Hayden fought in battle and sacrificed for our nation,” said Freedom Alliance President Tom Kilgannon. “Like so many combat veterans, he now struggles with the physical and emotional wounds of war, but this home will help as he focuses on his rehabilitation.” 

Hayden took center stage in front of the home’s garage and said his thanks to everyone involved. 

“It’s not just generous, it’s literally life changing,” Hayden said as he was handed the key.  

“I am excited to be a part of this fast-growing community and calling it my home for the future.”