Army Sergeant Daniel Cappo arrived in Menomonee Falls thinking he was going to interview with a builder for an opportunity to receive a mortgage-free home. Instead he was surprised to find out from Molly Halliday, SVP of Marketing and Project Management for Operation Finally Home that he and his family had been selected and that they were on the way to the lot to break ground on their new home.
After arriving at the site and passing under an enormous 50’ United States Flag hoisted by firetrucks from the Village of Butler and Menomonee Falls Sgt. Cappo was greeted by members of the community and Builder David Belman of Belman Homes.
“I was shocked! Things like this don’t happen to me.” Said Cappo.
National non-profit organization, Operation FINALLY HOME, along with local builder Belman Homes broke the news on November 16, 2019 at the lot in Menomonee Falls. The announcement was followed by a special groundbreaking ceremony with dignitaries from the community.
Daniel Cappo grew up in Houghton, Michigan, until he felt called to enlist in the US Army following the invasion of Iraq. He enlisted as a vehicle mechanic in 2004 and honorably served on Active Duty for just under 9 years. He deployed to Iraq from 2006-2008 and then to Afghanistan in 2009. While deployed in Afghanistan he ended up sustaining injuries from an IED blast as well as a vehicle falling on him while repairing the HUMVEE during combat operations. This left Daniel with life changing and permanent disabilities including PTSD, Photosensitivity, and back injuries. Daniel medically retired in July of 2012.
His wife Jamie put her cosmetology degree on hold to become his primary care giver through a VA program. The new home will provide the Cappo family with a fresh start and allow Daniel to continue pursuing a degree in psychology and allow Jamie to finish her cosmetology degree. Jamie one day wants to open up a studio where she will offer a day where she gives free haircuts to veterans and the homeless.
“We were extremely moved by Daniel’s story of overcoming his injuries and his wife Jamie’s scarifies to help him cope with his injures. This new home will give them a fresh start and time to focus on finishing their degrees so they can build a bright future for their family.” Said David Belman, President of Belman Homes.
Daniel and Jamie have two sons Hayden and Daniel and recently found out they are expecting a third child. They currently live in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Their new neighbors are Army Sergeant Tyson Cole who received his new home earlier in the year on June 2019. “The two families will be able to support each other.” Added Belman
This is the 6th Operation Finally Home project in Wisconsin, second home in Menomonee Falls and the 5th home that Belman Homes has provided.
To learn more about Operation FINALLY HOME or to donate to this cause please visit: www.operationfinallyhome.org
