FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Staff Sergeant Nathan Tomshack served in the U.S. Army for six years. He was deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan and Africa before being honorably discharged in 2014. During his time overseas, he was involved in several attacks. He now suffers from back and knee injuries and PTSD.
To honor Sergeant Tomshack's dedication to his country, several organizations have come together to award the Central Valley veteran a mortgage-free home. A groundbreaking ceremony for Sergeant Tomshack's new home took place on Wednesday.
“It's been a life-changing experience, and it's something that my wife and I have talked about,” Tomszak said. “It makes me want to give back to the community in some small way.”
The idea was brought to life by Lennar Homes of Central California, Beyond the Barracks and Operation Finally Home.
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“This is by far the most special home I've ever had my staff build. This is a home for an honorable veteran. A home for someone who served our country, helped us sleep at night and protected our freedom,” said Jim Sandrini of Lennar Homes.
The home is valued at at least $550,000, and because Sergeant Tomshack's injuries require special bathing protocols, Lennar Homes plans to add a bathtub and wiring for a hot tub to the back of the home.
At the groundbreaking ceremony, Sergeant Tomshack was given a grand recognition by the City of Fresno.
“We, Mayor Jerry Dyer and the Fresno City Council, hereby proclaim Wednesday, July 17, 2024, to be Staff Sergeant Nathan Tomshack Day in the City of Fresno.”
Fresno City Councilman Tyler Maxwell
Tomshack now spends his free time volunteering at a veterans center in Fresno and is also working toward a master's degree in therapy to help other veterans recover when they return home.