ABERDEEN — U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Richard “Rich” Stayskal and his family were honored Thursday (July 2) at the groundbreaking of their new mortgage-free home in Aberdeen. The local community also joined to show their support during this small, socially-distanced event at the homesite, welcoming the Stayskal family to their new home.
Operation FINALLY HOME, Daniel Adams Construction and Cushman & Wakefield have partnered to build the home for the American Hero and his family.
The Stayskal family was originally surprised with the news they were receiving the mortgage-free home on FOX & Friends First as part of its 12 Days of Giving series in December 2019.
About U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Richard Stayskal
U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Richard “Rich” Stayskal’s service began in 2001 with the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served as a machine gunner and scout sniper for four years. While deployed to Iraq, Stayskal was critically wounded by heavy sniper fire, sustaining a gunshot wound striking his left lung and exiting his back. The severe injuries resulted in an honorable discharge from the Marines in 2005.
Still drawn to serve his country, Stayskal re-enlisted in the U.S. Army one year later. Following four months serving as an Infantryman, Stayskal was selected to attend the Special Forces Qualification Course, where he was awarded the Green Beret and became a Weapons Sergeant in the Army Special Forces. During his service in the Army, Stayskal was deployed multiple times during the Global War on Terrorism.
He has received numerous awards for his service, including the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation and more.
In 2017, Stayskal was diagnosed with Stage 3a lung cancer and underwent chemotherapy, radiation and surgery to remove his tumor. Stayskal believed he was cancer-free, but in January of 2018, it was discovered his cancer had spread to his neck, spine, spleen, liver, hip joint and ilium crest. He received a terminal diagnosis of stage 4 cancer. He also suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and residual injuries sustained from his gunshot wound.
Legislation, named after him, was created to change the Feres Doctrine, which bars active duty service members from suing the government for medical malpractice. The bill was signed by President Trump Dec. 20, 2019, the same day the family was surprised with the news they were receiving a new mortgage-free home.
He, his wife, Megan and their two daughters enjoy spending time together as a family. In their free time, the family educates others about cancer and promotes legislation to support those injured in military service.
About Operation FINALLY HOME
Based in New Braunfels, Texas, Operation FINALLY HOME was established in 2005 as a nonpartisan/nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to provide homes and home modifications to America’s military heroes and widows of the fallen. In 2020, Operation FINALLY HOME is celebrating 15 years honoring heroes with homes, and recently hit a milestone of 275 projects completed or in planning stages. 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. For more information about Operation FINALLY HOME, visit OperationFINALLYHOME.org, follow @OpFINALLYHOME on Twitter and find us on Facebook.
About Daniel Adams Construction
Daniel Adams Construction is a top-quality custom home builder also skilled in remodeling, renovations, home additions and Light Commercial buildings. Formed in 1978 by Daniel Adams and his wife, Traci, they have completed more than 700 quality-built homes in the North Carolina Pinehurst and Lake Tillery areas.
About Cushman & Wakefield
Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK) is a leading global real estate services firm that delivers exceptional value for real estate occupiers and owners. Cushman & Wakefield is among the largest real estate services firms with approximately 53,000 employees in 400 offices and 60 countries. In 2019, the firm had revenue of $8.8 billion across core services of property, facilities and project management, leasing, capital markets, valuation and other services. To learn more, visit www.cushmanwakefield.com or follow @CushWake on Twitter.
