Ross Presents Flag to War Hero at Building Homes for Heroes Ceremony

LAKELAND, Fla. May 3, 2016 – (RealEstateRama) — U.S. Rep. Dennis A. Ross (R-FL-15), Senior Deputy Majority Whip, released the following statement today after presenting U.S. Army Sergeant Anthony Cala with a U.S. flag and certificate to thank him for his service and congratulate him and his family on their new home gifted by Building Homes for Heroes:

“Today was incredibly memorable for Army Sgt. Cala and his family, and I was honored to be part of such a special moment in their lives that they so truly deserve. Sgt. Cala has braved through unspeakable horrors and put his life on the line day-after-day for our safety and freedoms. The sacrifices he and his family have made can never justly be repaid by any of us, but I am so happy to see a program like Building Homes for Heroes helping and honoring our courageous soldiers and their families by providing them homes, like the one presented to Sgt. Cala today. As the son and brother of military veterans, I know firsthand the strength that runs through and is tested within military families, and I want to thank Sgt. Cala, his wife, Jennifer, and their sons for all they have done in nobly representing our great nation.”

Building Homes for Heroes works to rebuild the lives of brave men and women who were wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan by modifying homes and gifting them, mortgage-free, to veterans and their families. Today, Building Homes for Heroes awarded a home in Lakeland to Sgt. Cala, his wife, Jennifer, and their two sons.

Sgt. Cala joined the military out of California in February 2002, with the desire to serve his country and obtain an education. Only one day after being honorably discharged from active duty on November 28, 2011, Sgt. Cala joined the National Guard. He served in the Florida National Guard, and is presently involved with the Washington National Guard.

Sgt. Cala was deployed three times to Iraq, serving his country for nearly a decade. During his deployments, he was injured after being struck by an improvised explosive device (IED), his Stryker was hit head on by a rocket propelled grenade (RPG) during a security night patrol, and he experienced the loss of fellow soldiers and good friends. In addition to sustaining a right leg injury, Sgt. Cala has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a traumatic brain injury, hearing loss, arthritis, tinnitus and asthma.

For his service to his country, Sgt. Cala was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (2x), Army Good Conduct Medal (3x), National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal (4x), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Overseas Service Ribbon (6x), Army Non-Commissioned officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon (4x), Combat Service Ribbon (6x), Combat Infantry Badge, Drivers Badge and the Florida National Guard State Activated Ribbon.