Home is where the heart is, and a lot of love went into making the perfect home for a local veteran and his family.  

  • Bay area vet, family receive gift of mortgage-free home via nonprofit 
  • Todd Fortwangler received home via Building Homes for Heroes
  • Todd joined the Navy in 2008

Thanks to Building Homes for Heroes, the U.S. Navy Sailor and his family now have a mortgage-free home in Wesley Chapel. 

Receiving the keys to their new home brought tears to Todd and Tara Fortwangler's eyes. 

"Thank you, thank you so much," Todd said. 

Their three kids can't wait to see the home with big bedrooms, beautiful bathrooms, and a new washer and dryer. 

"Wow, this is such an amazing house. I cannot believe this," Todd said. 

It's a home fit for a King, or in this case, a deserving veteran. Todd joined the Navy in 2008, but his service was cut short when he was diagnosed with a rare nervous system disorder. It left him temporarily paralyzed and suffering from seizures and other psychological disorders. 

Two weeks ago, Building Homes for Heroes and JP Morgan Chase told Todd his life was about to change. The Fortwrangler's would soon own their first ever home. 

"I was in shock. I couldn't believe this beautiful place was going to be my forever home where I was going to raise my children and where they have a place to call their forever home and grow up and not have to worry about moving again," he said. 

What was once a dream, is now a reality. 

To date, Building Homes for Heroes has given homes to more than 100 families across the nation. 

Since 2011, JP Morgan Chase has donated more than 900 mortgage-free homes to veterans and their families.