Scott Felder Homes is proud to partner with Operation Finally Home and Tiemann Land and Cattle Development to provide a new home to an American Hero.

Operation Finally Home, Scott Felder Homes and Tiemann Land and Cattle Development surprised U.S. Marine Corp Corporal William Makaafi and his family with the news they are receiving a new mortgage-free home at a special ceremony this morning in the Blackhawk community in Pflugerville.

Makaafi witnessed a lot of troubling things during his service in the United States Marine Corps. On April 30, 2009 while deployed in Iraq, Makaafi's unit suffered the loss of a soldier killed in action, which was devastating for him and the rest of his unit. Not even a year later, while in Afghanistan, Makaafi’s battalion lost 25 men in the line of duty. Many of the soldiers lost were men who completed bootcamp with Makaafi.

Adjusting to life after returning home from the military has been very rough for Makaafi. The emotional toll of losing so many friends and fellow soldiers has made everyday life extremely difficult. Additionally, Makaafi has struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI) with migraines and memory loss and chronic lumbar strain which has made it impossible for him to maintain employment. 

Despite all of these obstacles, Makaafi has found an outlet in volunteering in his community. He is involved with various nonprofits and has started a YouTube channel with a fellow Marine to discuss their struggles. 

For his unwavering commitment to his country, Makaafi received decorations including a Marine Good Conduct Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with one Star, a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, among other accolades. 

The Makaafi family currently lives in California with hopes of moving to Texas to be closer to family as well as increased healthcare options. The family is excited for the move, remembering something Makaafi’s mother had told him years ago, “home is where your family is.”

About Operation Finally Home | Based in New Braunfels, Texas, Operation Finally Home is a nonpartisan/nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to provide custom-built, mortgage-free homes, transitional housing and home modifications to veterans, first responders and their families. Established in 2005, the organization has completed or is in planning on more than 380 home projects in more than 32 states and celebrated its 200^th dedication in 2022. 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.