The Weise Family

U.S. Army SFC Matthew Weise joined the army two weeks after graduating high school in Stone Mountain, Ga. He dedicated more than 15 years of his life to serving his country with six deployments, including Afghanistan and Iraq.

Matthew was injured during three of his combat tours. His first injury was caused when insurgents dropped mortar bombs on the building he was in, and again when his truck drove over an underbelly improvised explosive device (IED) that knocked him unconscious. His third major injury occurred in Afghanistan when he stepped on a dismounted IED.

Matthew suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) as well as depression, migraines and vertigo along with pain in his wrist and knee. His injuries, both mental and physical, are severe, and he describes himself as a “changed person” since medical retirement. His pain affects him daily, and he is unable to participate in many activities he used to enjoy. However, Matthew says he is looking to the future, and he loves doing volunteer work.

Matthew was presented with many honors for his service including two Purple Heart Medals, two Bronze Star Medals, two Valorous Unit Awards, Combat Infantryman Badge plus many more.

Matthew enjoys spending time with his family and focusing on his hobbies, such as hunting, swimming and hiking. He hopes to move back to South Carolina to spend time with family and be near the beach. He also volunteers at a local food bank and counsels other veterans by reminiscing on war stories. Talking to other veterans has been therapeutic, Matthew says, and he finds it very fulfilling.

His wife Saray and his three kids look forward to moving back to South Carolina and are all optimistic for the future.

Operation FINALLY HOME and Lennar Homes are proud to provide the Weise family with a custom-built, mortgage-free home in the Charleston area in South Carolina.