Local family receives mortgage-free home as part of Boeing-sponsored veterans program
A South Carolina military family is now living in a new, fully furnished home free of charge thanks to a program supported by Boeing.
Built to Honor provides mortgage-free homes to veterans who have been injured during their service. Boeing has been a sponsor of the program since 2016.
In January, retired Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Jason Roberts and his wife, Christina, were recognized for their service and sacrifice by receiving the keys to a new home as part of this program.
BSC teammate Robert Baldwin (center) joins his daughter, Christina Roberts (right), and her husband, SSgt. Jason Roberts, outside their new home.
The Roberts’ friends and family attended the ribbon cutting ceremony at their new home last week, including Christina’s father, Robert Baldwin, a field engineering technical representative at Boeing South Carolina.
“Boeing’s donation, along with dozens of tradesmen and other supporters, is the reason my family is moving home again,” Baldwin said.
Baldwin, a veteran himself, works on the C-17 program at Joint Base Charleston. Prior to his work at Boeing, Baldwin served in the U.S. Air Force for 30 years as an aircraft maintainer and avionics specialist. He retired as a chief master sergeant in April 2004 and joined Boeing just five months later.
Jason and Christina Roberts (center) join Built to Honor representatives at the ribbon cutting event outside their new home. Jason Roberts, United States Marine Corps. (Ret.), was severely injured while serving in Afghanistan in 2009.
“Knowing that Boeing was instrumental in the Built to Honor program means so much to me,” said Baldwin. “It makes me proud to be a part of the Boeing team for the last 17 years.”
Boeing aims to build better lives for transitioning military service members, veterans and their families, which is why over the past five years, the company has contributed more than $50 million in support of veterans service programs and initiatives globally.
“By providing mortgage-free homes to veterans and their families like Jason and Christina, the Built to Honor program is literally providing one of the keys to a smooth transition from service to civilian life,” said Lindsay Leonard, senior director of National Strategy and Engagement and Government Operations at Boeing.
Additionally, Boeing is proud of its commitment to hiring veterans and investing in their families and communities. About 15% of the company’s U.S.-based workforce self-identify as veterans, like Baldwin.
“Thank you to Boeing for supporting my family and the families of other veterans,” Baldwin said.
Built to Honor works in partnership with nonprofit organizations to identify veteran candidates for the homes. Boeing is not part of the selection process.