In the News

It was day filled with peace and joy as we welcomed home U.S. Army Veterans and their families to their new homes. The home dedication ceremony for the first two Operation Finally Home Wisconsin builds took place on Saturday, June 4, 2016, at 11:00 AM in Jackson, Wisconsin. 

Operation FINALLY HOME is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization; “providing custom-built, mortgage-free homes to America’s military Heroes and the widows of the fallen, those who have worn America’s uniform and sacrificed so much to defend our freedoms and values.” Each homebuilder, including Tim O’Brien Homes, built a home in the Cranberry Creek neighborhood in Jackson, WI. Neumann Companies joined forces with the builders and generously provided the side by side lots. Many supporters and donors from Jackson and local communities graciously helped provide a mortgage-free home for Bo, Drew, and their families.

Watch below to see special moments from the Home Dedication, thank you he Daily News and Waukesha Freeman for capturing this memory!

Tim O’Brien Homes was fortunate to be provided the opportunity to build a new home for Drew and his wife Katelyn. Drew enlisted in the U.S. Army as an Infantryman on March 28, 2005 – Easter Sunday. Drew was sent to basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia, and after graduation from basic training, he was assigned to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, for his first duty station. Drew was deployed to Iraq in September 2005, where his unit operated the southwest corridor of Baghdad, better known as the “Sunni Triangle of Death.” 

On November 29, 2005, Drew was providing security during combat patrol, in the rear gunner position, the combat vehicle Drew was in drove around a corner and was suddenly overrun by flames from a shaped charge explosion. Drew was medically evacuated from the scene as he was enduring intense external bleeding from his ears, as he arrived at the temporary hospital tent the medical team removed superficial shrapnel from Drew’s face. Eventually, Drew returned to the mission.

Time had passed following Drew’s deployment, in which severe migraine episodes began to affect his ability to function at the high level Drew needed for his military career. Drew spent many hours for a year in therapy, as he strived to return to his unit.

Unfortunately, Drew was unable to attain the progress needed to return to his unit, as a result of facing hundreds of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and endless high-stress situations during his time as he served our country. Drew suffers from post-traumatic migraines and tension, Tinnitus, Cranial Nerve Impingement, and more. 

On November 27, 2008, Drew medically retired from the Army; and his service was greatly recognized. Drew received a Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, and many more. Drew is honored and humbled by the medals, although he accredits his brothers from his unit, that he made it to today because of them.

In May 2013, Drew graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. Drew double majored in International Studies and Political Science, with an emphasis on the Middle East, as well as a minor in history with two years of Arabic. Drew and his wife, Katelyn, are now “finally home” to start new memories.

June 4th was an unforgettable day, we wish you each many years of happiness in your new home with your family. This was truly an amazing day! Thank you everyone for coming out and showing your support, especially all the donors and volunteers who gave their time, energy, and love to these deserving veterans.

Thank you, Bo & Drew, as well as everyone else who has or currently is serving for the United States of America. Words cannot express how much we appreciate what you do for all of us!

To see more pictures from the event, visit our Facebook page.

Left to Right: Matt Neumann – Neumann Companies, Angela Cooper – Tim O'Brien Homes, Tim O'Brien, Katelyn Wroblewski, Drew Wroblewski, Matt Kawczynski – Tim O'Brien Homes, Shane Fleischman – Tim O'Brien Homes, Bryan Lindgren – Tim O'Brien Homes, Amy Boczkiewicz – Tim O'Brien Homes, Tim Pykett – Tim O'Brien Homes, Bianca Costanzo – Tim O'Brien Homes, Evan Ott – Tim O'Brien Homes, Joe Volesky – Tim O'Brien Homes, Carey Podlesnik – Tim O'Brien Homes