NASHVILLE, Tennessee – Operation FINALLY HOME, Beazer Homes and Ashlar Development enlisted Army Veteran and country music entertainer Craig Morgan to surprise U.S. Army Sergeant Ethan LaBerge and his family ahead of Veterans Day with the news they will be receiving a mortgage-free home in Mt. Juliet on Saturday night during a show at the Grand Ole Opry®.
The organizations have partnered together to build a custom-built, mortgage-free home for the LaBerge family in Nichols Vale outside of Nashville in Wilson County.
“It’s hard to express with words our gratitude towards Ethan and Arin LaBerge for their selfless service to our country,” stated Geoff Hart, Beazer Division President, Nashville. “We’re honored to be part of their journey and to partner with Ashlar Development and Operation FINALLY HOME to provide them with a custom-built, mortgage-free home in Mt. Juliet.”
Ethan LaBerge and his family thought they were at the Opry as part of a special recognition series for Purple Heart recipients. Ethan was invited by his long-time friend and Case Manager, Amy Hawk-Kost and her husband, Ed Kost, to the Saturday night show as part of the surprise. Following a performance by U.S. Army veteran, Operation FINALLY HOME ambassador and Opry member Craig Morgan, Morgan paused to address the LaBerge family:
“U.S. Army Sergeant Ethan LaBerge and Arin, we thank you for your service to our country,” said Morgan. “While you’re here because you’re a Purple Heart recipient, you’re also here so we can share some exciting news. Thanks to Beazer Homes, Ashlar Development and Operation FINALLY HOME, you are receiving a mortgage-free home in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee.”
Representatives from Beazer Homes, Ashlar Development and Operation FINALLY HOME, including Operation FINALLY HOME founder, Dan Wallrath, safely gathered at the Opry to present Ethan and his family with a symbolic key to their new home. The special moment was captured on video and can be viewed here.
Last weekend the Opry saw the return of Friday night performances, as well as the expansion of both Friday and Saturday night shows. In-venue audiences continued in compliance with operating plans developed in collaboration with the Nashville Public Health Department that include socially distanced seating, mandatory masks for all guests and staff, as well as enhanced cleaning practices.
The home construction will begin later this month with a Groundbreaking ceremony. A Notes of Love ceremony will take place at the end of the year.
About U.S. Army Sergeant Ethan LaBerge | Soon after his 18th birthday, U.S. Army Sergeant Ethan LaBerge followed his lifelong dream of enlisting in the Army. He was deployed twice to Afghanistan during his five years of service.
In May of 2012, LaBerge arrived at Fort Campbell and was placed in the storied unit of 1st battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment. During a combat mission in Afghanistan, LaBerge’s life was forever changed. His platoon was leaving a meeting with a local official when a civilian detonated a suicide vest nearly 10 feet from his group. The blast resulted in two deaths and multiple casualties, and LaBerge was left in critical condition.
LaBerge suffered a concussion, many broken bones and head-to-toe shrapnel wounds. He battles PTSD and a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). To date, he has undergone 11 surgeries, and still struggles with memory loss, intense pain and cognitive challenges. He medically retired in 2016.
For his service, LaBerge was awarded a Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, and more.
LaBerge and his wife Arin, who is also an Army veteran, have a young daughter and an infant son. They enjoy going to the zoo and the park. LaBerge enjoys attending car shows, working on cars and attending sporting events.