SGT Austin Burchard and his family were honored at a Key Ceremony, Saturday, September 24th where they were presented with the key to their new specially adapted home by Jim Deitch of Southern Crafted Homes, www.southerncraftedhomes.com. The event began with a police escort from the Hillsborough County Sheriff and Lutz Volunteer Fire Department along with the Patriot Guard Riders and Lutz Patriots. Larry Gill, Homes for Our Troops Veteran Liaison presided over the event with a host of distinguished guests in attendance including: Purple Heart recipient SSG Juan Roldan, Lt Col Andrew Lourake and wife Lisa as well as Vietnam War Veterans who are the driving force to see to it that this generation of heroes are duly honored for their sacrifices for our country. Sergeant Burchard's wife Donna and their family members were honored for their faith and hard work as well as special guest from Walter Reed Hospital, Dr./Major Carrie Sims. Her heart rending speech received a standing ovation as did SGT Burchard's gracious remarks and acceptance of their new home.

Pastor Sam Burchard, SGT Buchard's brother, began with an invocation followed by the North Tampa-Lutz Cadet Squadron Honor Guard presenting the colors and the National Anthem by the Gulf Coast Youth Choir all done with excellence. SGM Pat Corcoran, SGT Austin Burchard's Sergeant Major described the events leading up to and following his rescue in Afghanistan just a few miles from the site where Osama Bin Laden was recently killed. Executive Director Dawn Teixeira from Homes for Our Troops, www.homesforourtroops.org/100more spoke as well as representatives from Congressman Bilirakis office and Senator Bill Nelson's office. The people responsible for the event were innumerable on a national and local level. It was truly an inspiring event never to be forgotten!