SANTA ROSA BEACH — Army Staff Sgt. Aaron Hale and his wife Kelly aren’t shy about inviting anyone and everyone to the grand opening of their new home April 6.
The couple anticipates a large celebration for the unveiling of the house at 73 Pelican Bay Drive in Santa Rosa Beach that was renovated by New York-based nonprofit group Building Homes for Heroes.
“She’s invited the entire Niceville baseball team,” Aaron said of his wife, laughing. “Anyone she sees it’s, ‘Hey, want to come to the party?’
“It’s pretty big — we don’t go small. Building Homes for Heroes is working so hard on this, and it’s not just about us. It’s about bringing community awareness to this organization.”
The event is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. The Hales said they anticipate several high-ranking military officers, local officials, representatives of civic groups and those involved in the renovation to attend.
“I feel like a kid on Christmas day,” Kelly said. “I’m so relieved that we’re going to have a place to call home. It’s a new chapter in our book.
“We haven’t had that sense of security that a home brings in a long time.”
The Hales and their four children have been living out of suitcases since December 2011 after Aaron was blinded in Afghanistan while handling an improvised explosive device. They’ve been going from medical clinics and temporary homes for 14 months.
When the Building Homes for Heroes heard their story, it contacted the family and asked them to list some of their needs and wants for a new home. Kelly said she wanted a large kitchen and outdoor grilling station for Aaron, who loves to cook.
The couple also asked for a room for each child, and joked that they wouldn’t be upset if the children’s walls were padded.
“I think Aaron also wanted a helo (helicopter) pad, but I don’t know how that’s coming along,” Kelly said, laughing.
The home, which was renovated by local builder Randy Wise, was funded through Building Homes for Heroes, Chase Bank and community donations.
The Hales said once they settle in they will focus their attention on bringing awareness to wounded veterans and support to the organizations that have helped them survive since Aaron was hurt.
“Our lives have been touched so deeply by the community and the people that have helped us,” Kelly said. “We want to do something to give back to service members.”
Aaron said his military family has never had roots, and is excited to call the Emerald Coast home.
“I don’t think the outcome of all of this would have been the same if we were anywhere else in the world,” he said. “We’ve been so well cared for from everyone in the community.”
Contact Daily News Staff Writer Angel McCurdy at 850-315-4432 or amccurdy@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @AngelMnwfdn.