CYPRESS WOODS, Texas — CFISD representatives joined The Howard Hughes Corporation, Beazer Homes and the Houston Texans for a special groundbreaking and wonderful, warm welcome to U.S. Army Specialist Cliff Betcher and his family to the Bridgeland community on Jan. 27 as part of Operation Finally Home.
A nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, Operation Finally Home provides custom-built, mortgage-free homes to America’s military heroes and the widows of the fallen. During an emotional ceremony, Specialist Betcher, who was wounded during the Iraq war, thanked everyone who contributed to their new home.
“I’ve only ever dreamed of owning a home, and now it’s become a reality,” he said. “Now that you all know where I live, if you ever need anything just come on over!”
The Patriot Guard Riders escorted Specialist Betcher, his wife Wynne and 7-year-old son Grayson to the groundbreaking event, which kicked off with a presentation of colors by the Cypress Woods High School Air Force Junior ROTC unit.
Houston’s First Baptist Church Pastor Jason Swiggart offered an invocation and Operation Finally Home representative Lee Kirgan shared the story of his organization. Bruce Craig from Beazer Homes, Heath Melton from The Howard Hughes Corporation and Houston Texans Ambassador Richmond Webb all welcomed the Betchers to the community.
Roy Garcia, CFISD associate superintendent of school administration and leadership, spoke on behalf of the school district.
“We thank you, Cliff, for your service to our country,” Garcia said. “We are excited about the chance to give back to you through our great school system.”
Garcia then introduced Grayson, who will be zoned to the brand-new Wells Elementary School, to his incoming principal, Cheryl Fisher.
Also representing CFISD at the ceremony were Mike Smith, principal of Bridgeland High School; Eileen Perrie, Bridgeland High School campus secretary; Becky Koop, Pope Elementary School principal; and Leslie Francis, CFISD director of marketing and business relations.
