Homes on the Homefront Highlights

Marine Corps Veteran Surprised By Tim McGraw and Cake Boss

The Chaput family was surprised with not only a mortgage-free home...but a concert where they got to meet and hear Tim McGraw live...and a cake...from none other than Cake Boss (the cake will be revealed in a special episode of Cake Boss later this year).  Operation Homefront is proud to partner with McGraw and Chase to award homes to these deserving military families through our Homes on the Homefront program.

Learn more about the Chaput family:
After September 11, 2001 Chris Chaput knew exactly what he wanted to do in life. He grew up in Herkimer, N.Y. and had multiple family members in the Marine Corps. In July 2005, Chris was finally able to turn his childhood dream into reality by becoming a Marine.

“September 11 was the main reason for joining the Marine Corps,” said Chris. “I had quite a few family members serving during that time and it was a true honor to follow in their footsteps.”

After leaving the Albany, N.Y. Military Entrance Processing Station and basic training, Chris was based out of Camp Lejeune, N.C. He deployed once to Iraq, and twice to Afghanistan. While deployed, his job was to go on patrols and check for improvised explosive devices (IEDs). During his final deployment, Chris suffered injuries that would eventually force his retirement from the military.

After returning, Chris and his wife Roseanna moved into a house in New Castle, Del. that was, according to Chris, literally falling apart. The current home is around 100 years old and the roof is starting to sag. It has seen numerous floor issues as well. Recently contractors had told the family that it would cost more to repair the home than to buy a new one.

Chris and Roseanna would like a fresh start, and that is exactly what the new home in Newark will do for them. Not only would it stay close to the VA hospital, but it would give them a home that is safe for their family.

“I’d love to see my family happy again,” Chris said. “I’d love for them to have a safe roof over their head that gives us enough room for our family to grow and maybe even add another little one into our family, something that we have been unwilling to do because of our current situation. It will also give my service dog more space to move around.”