After serving two tours in Afghanistan as part of the Army National Guard, a Chino Hills soldier got a little help to repair his Chino Hills home damaged by recent El Niño-related storms.
Jose Gonzales Morales, 45, and his family gathered outside their home Thursday with smiles across their faces as an American flag was perched on top of the roof they knew would no longer be a risk or danger to them.
"These repairs are going to make a world of difference for me and my family," Morales said in a press release. The home's roof, which had been damaged by recent downpours, will be replaced by HomeStrong USA, a nonprofit housing development organization.
The nonprofit teamed up with State Farm to repair the roof and present Morales with a new U.S. flag.
"The great men and women of the armed forces, we can't do enough for them," said CEO Jed Davis. "This is our small way of giving back to those who are fortunate enough to own a home."
Morales began to serve in the military when he was 37 years old, something he says he had wanted to do since he was young.
"It's been a great honor serving this country that has given my family and I so many opportunities. Even though I was not born here, I grew up loving this great country," Morales said. "So I thought that one day I would be able to repay it somehow and there has been no better way than becoming a soldier."
U.S. & World
Morales then returned home after eight years of service and bought a house for his family in Chino Hills. He still serves as a sergeant and is involved as a Combat Engineer and Team Leader stateside.
