Cody Leake, a local Marine veteran, headed to what he thought was a luncheon to meet Texas Tech football coach Kliff Kingsbury. The luncheon was put on by the Homes For Heroes organization to surprise Leake with the key to his home.
“We kinda let him on a bit. He thought he was just coming here to eat lunch and meet coach Kliff Kingsbury,” Colonel Dave Lewis, a USAF veteran, said.
“I was trying not to cry in a room full of people,” Leake said.
Leake served in the United States Marine Corps for 10 years. He was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury and other service-related disabilities once he returned home.
He said he now has dedicated his time to helping other veterans in the area.
“Helping other veterans has helped me the most. It’s what gets me out of bed every day,” Leake said.
Leake will be living in the home alongside his son.
Below is a press release from Homes For Heroes:
VETERAN CODY LEAKE TO BE AWARDED HOME AT THIS WEEK’S LUNCHEON
LUBBOCK- Homes for Heroes, the charitable arm of the West Texas Home Builders Association will proudly announce the veteran recipient of a newly remodeled home at this Wednesday’s April 11th luncheon, hosted at the WTHBA headquarters at 7205 Kewanee Avenue.
The announcement, which comes quickly on the heels of the recent awarding of a new home to Michael Vasquez, was necessitated because of a tragic loss. Homes for Heroes lost one of their own last year when previous recipient, Christopher Montez, passed away due to complications from his injuries. The home is ready to be re-gifted to a new veteran recipient.
Cody Leake served 10 years in the United States Marine Corps where he was an E-06 Staff Sergeant. He specialized as an Aircraft Rescue and Firefighter Specialist where he was involved in emergency responses involving rescue and recovery operations for both military and civilian victims with a wide range of injuries including fatalities. After many years of bravery and dedication, he was diagnosed with PTSD, TBI, and many other service-related disabilities.
Struggling with the burdens of re-entry, Leake is focused on rebuilding his life and trying to provide a safe and thriving environment for his son.
“This home will provide stability for (my son and I) physically, emotionally, and definitely financially. It means the world for me to be able to provide my son with a home so that he can have the comfortable lifestyle that he deserves. I am truly grateful for this blessing,” said Leake.
