On Friday, Aug. 1, Northeast Florida Builders Association (NEFBA) Builders Care along with Operation Lifeline held a key presentation ceremony for Sgt. Roy Wilbur to unveil his newly renovated home in St. Augustine.
Wilbur is a highly decorated combat veteran with the U.S. Marine Corps who served in Vietnam earning two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star. Over the years, his home had fallen into severe disrepair, and he was living without basic utilities, including air conditioning.
Erick Saks, executive director of Operation Lifeline, spent most of his life serving in the U.S. Air Force and could not wait to jump into this project. Because of his military background, Saks understands the importance of teamwork and was very grateful for the team that made this project possible.
“We started out with $40,000 in grant funding, but the project was far bigger than that. Through some extraordinary partnerships with St. Johns County we were able to raise the amount of money to $100,000,” Saks said.
However, more funding was still needed for the project, which is where Hometown Hero’s Ride came in. The organization raised more than $160,000 in donations for Wilbur’s home at their ride at Adamec Harley-Davidson in St. Augustine.
U.S. Rep. John Rutherford, serving Florida’s 5th Congressional District, also recognized the teamwork that went into this massive undertaking.
“This truly is a great collaborative effort, and this is really what makes all the hard work worthwhile being able to help people like Sgt. Wilbur,” Rutherford said.
Sarah Arnold, District 2 commissioner in St. Johns County, was also in attendance to help welcome Wilbur home.
“We want to thank you so much for your service to your country and to this community,” she said.
After years of service to his country and his family, Wilbur’s home is now fully restored.
“If there was ever somebody who deserved this, it is Roy,” said Saks.
