NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Richard “Rich” Stayskal and his family were surprised this morning on FOX & Friends First with the news they will be receiving a custom-built, mortgage-free home in Moore County, North Carolina, as part of its 12 Days of Giving series. Operation FINALLY HOME, Daniel Adams Construction and Cushman & Wakefield have partnered on the project which is scheduled to be completed in 2020.
Stayskal, his wife Meg and their two daughters thought they were in New York City with attorney Natalie Khawam, (Whistleblower Law Firm, PA) to discuss legislation named after him to change the Feres Doctrine, which bars active duty service members from suing the government for medical malpractice. The bill is scheduled to be signed by President Trump tonight (Dec. 20) at 7:20 p.m ET. After opening the segment discussing the bill, representatives from Operation FINALLY HOME, Cushman & Wakefield and Daniel Adams Construction surprised the family with the news they were receiving a new mortgage-free home (see video here).
“This gift takes such a huge weight off of our shoulders,” Stayskal said. “It’s inevitable that one day I’m going to succumb to my cancer and my wife will be left to provide for our daughters, so it is comforting to know this is one less thing she has to worry about. I am so very fortunate, so grateful and so appreciative for this day.”
Bruce Mosler, Chairman of Global Brokerage and the Veterans Initiative Program at Cushman & Wakefield, Dan Wallrath, founder of Operation FINALLY HOME and Danny Adams, Daniel Adams Construction had the privilege to break the great news to the family.
“At Cushman & Wakefield, supporting military veterans is a core part of our DNA,” Mosler said. “We’ve been proud to partner with Operation FINALLY HOME since 2014 as part of this effort. We’re thrilled to begin this project for a family so deserving of our eternal gratitude.”
The Stayskal home is the 200th home being built or modified by Operation FINALLY HOME and there are considerable plans for future growth.
“U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Richard Stayskal is the epitome of valor, service and sacrifice,” Wallrath said. “Faced with unimaginable challenges, he’s remained committed to fighting not only for our freedoms, but for the betterment of those around him. It’s an honor to announce the beginning of our 200th project and to provide a home for this deserving family.”
About U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Richard Stayskal
U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Richard 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.
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. The mission of Operation FINALLY HOME is to provide homes and home modifications to America’s military Heroes and the widows of the fallen who have sacrificed so much to defend our freedoms and values. 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 51,000 employees in 400 offices and 70 countries. In 2018, the firm had revenue of $8.2 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.
