JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – It was a hero’s homecoming.
On Veterans Day morning, Staff Sgt. Jerry Majetich and his wife, Mary Ella, received the keys to their new house in Nocatee.
“It’s just gonna change our life, and the community here is so welcoming,” Majetich said.
Before joining the Army, Majetich was in the Marines for four years, serving in Operation Desert Shield. His vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device, causing him severe injuries.
Majetich was also shot four times, suffered burns on more than a third of his body and he’s undergone more than 80 surgeries.
“A lot of them make me incapable of walking or climbing into a tub, and I’ve told her for years that I’m gonna die getting into the bathtub,” he said.
But now, their new digs have been retrofitted for all of Majetich’s needs.
“Our shower in this home is literally bigger than our current bathroom,” he said. “I’m not gonna worry about falling down in the shower anymore. That’s a plus.”
His wife, who is a nurse, agreed -- the bathroom is the biggest blessing.
“And just the fact that everybody got together and did this for us, and sacrificed for us so that things can lighten the burden a bit for what we go through,” Majetich added.
It’s not just the house that’s helped with Majetich’s healing.
“We took a golf cart tour of the neighborhood and people were out front waving flags and thanking us -- just extremely, extremely welcoming,” he said.
The humble veteran took a moment Thursday to reflect on his service.
“Many times today, people thanked me for my sacrifice,” Majetich said. “I think it’s important to note, I didn’t sacrifice anything. This nation has given me everything. I just serve the nation that I love and I would die for.”
The home was awarded by the Pulte Group, in partnership with “Building Homes For Heroes.”