04/29/2021

U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and Family Receive Keys

New Motgage-Free Home

DAYTON, Ohio (April 28, 2021) – U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Aaron Zurn and his family will receive the keys to their new mortgage-free, custom-built home Thursday (April 29) at 10 a.m. during a small, socially-distanced dedication ceremony at the homeside in Vandalia.

Operation FINALLY HOME, JM Dungan Custom Homes and the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Dayton partnered to build the home and representatives will be onsite to welcome the Zurn family their new home.

The Zurn family was surprised with the news they were receiving a custom-built, mortgage-free home during halftime at the Fordham vs. Dayton basketball game on February 2, 2020, in the UD Arena. Rusty Carroll, Executive Director of Operation FINALLY HOME, Josh Dungan, with JM Dungan Custom Homes and Erika Deady, vice president of the HBA of Dayton, presented the Zurns with a symbolic key following the announcement.  Click here to view the Surprise Announcement.

About U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Aaron Zurn

U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Aaron Zurn of Vandalia, Ohio, valiantly served his country for more than 10 years. 

Zurn began his service with two tours in Iraq as a U.S. Marine Corps Rifleman. On his first deployment to Fallujah, Zurn witnessed a fellow Marine killed by a rocket-propelled grenade within 10 minutes of arrival. That introduction, and the fierce fighting the Marines faced in Fallujah, still impact his life today.  

In 2010, Zurn sought a new challenge and reenlisted as a “jump qualified” Marine Special Operations Forces (MARSOF) operator. Zurn deployed twice with MARSOF, and his company was frequently exposed to heavy enemy fire, ambush and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). During his final deployment, Zurn fell out of a helicopter and was knocked unconscious, resulting in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). He medically retired in 2016.

Zurn suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), bilateral hearing loss, knee injuries and other injuries from being a paratrooper. For his service, Zurn received awards including two Combat Action Ribbons, Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Accommodation Medal with a Bronze V, Marine Corps Commendation Medal and more.

Prior to enlisting, Zurn married his middle-school sweetheart, Brittany, who serves as his primary caregiver. Together, they have three children along with a service dog and enjoy history, photography, watching movies and traveling together.

About JM Dungan Custom Homes | JM Dungan Custom Homes has been prevalent in new home construction in the greater Dayton area for over 45 years. “Building to Improve Your Quality of Life” is a business philosophy that has been in the Dungan family since 1969. A third generation company, we are committed to creating “lifestyles” by building homes that fit the needs of our customers for whatever stage of life they are in. Our new homes are built with quality products and contractors, offering both energy efficiency as well as personal comfort. JM Dungan Custom Homes is committed to making our client’s custom home building experience a pleasurable one. Check out our homes at www.dunganhomes.com.

About HBA of Dayton | Founded in 1942, the Home Builders Association of Dayton has worked to build a better Dayton and make the American dream attainable for many homeowners throughout the Dayton region. The mission of the Home Builders Association of Dayton is to make the Dayton region more attractive to businesses and residents, providing superior value in home ownership by promoting industry standards; educating our members and the community; marketing members’ capabilities; and advocating responsible development.  Visit hbadayton.com for more information.

About Operation FINALLY HOME | Operation FINALLY HOME provides mortgage-free homes and home modifications to wounded, ill and injured military veterans, first responders, and widows of the fallen and their families in honor of their service and sacrifice to country and community. Based in New Braunfels, Texas, Operation FINALLY HOME was established in 2005 as a non-partisan/non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and has completed or is in the planning stages on more than 300 home projects in more than 31 states. Operation FINALLY HOME partners with corporate sponsors, builder associations, builders, remodelers, developers, individual contributors and volunteers to help these heroes and their families by addressing one of their most pressing needs – a place to call home. For more information about Operation FINALLY HOME, visit OperationFINALLYHOME.org, follow @OpFINALLYHOME on Twitter and find us on Facebook.