For our wounded warriors, Operation Homefront runs two Operation Homefront Villages, the first free, transitional housing where injured service members can live with their families for free as they recuperate and separate from their service branch. We have one OH Village in San Antonio, convenient to Brook Army Medical Center, and one in Silver Spring here in the DC area for wounded warriors in treatment at Walter Reed or National Naval Medical Center-Bethesda. This special group of people also benefited from Walmart’s generosity, with a special gift box delivered to Wounded Warrior Wives.
Let me tell you about one of the families in the village. The arrival of the Tejada family’s newest member was more than just the blessing of a new life. James’ birth marked a new start for a family who’d spent two years struggling with the effects of Frank Tejada’s devastating combat injuries.
Frank suffered traumatic brain injury and major damage to his back, neck and shoulder in a rocket attack in Iraq. Jasmine Tejada says her husband wasn’t able to pick up their oldest son, Nicholas, then 3. Frank suffered bouts of debilitating pain. The TBI decimated his memory.
Frank was eventually moved to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.
The family struggled to live together in local hotel rooms. There was no playground or room to run for Nicholas.
Months later, the Tejadas moved into an apartment at Operation Homefront Village. They receive mental health support, financial and career counseling, and other free, expert guidance to help them navigate the VA and DoD medical systems. The families understand and lean on each other through the challenges of adapting to their new lives.
For the Tejadas, that meant much-needed space. Their Village living room is filled with Nicholas’ toy trains. There is room for a crib, a baby swing and a rocking chair. Jasmine tells us that if it weren’t for the apartment, they likely would’ve had to separate; the boys would’ve been sent to grandparents so Jasmine could stay by her husband’s side and learn how to help him continue his recovery.
Instead, the Tejadas have a new home, a new baby and the beginning of a new life together as Frank begins to heal and the family prepares for their next journey, together.
They’re just one of dozens of families who are benefitting from our supporters’ generosity and our volunteers’ talents. Thanks so much to Walmart and everyone else who’s helped Operation Homefront provide a home for the Tejadas and other families like them.