A young veteran wounded in combat is getting a new start in Ragley, Louisiana. Retired U.S. Army Specialist Jonathan Sultan opened the door to his new home for the first time Thursday. A turn of the key and the first word out of his mouth was cut short as he swallowed back his emotion and quickly wiped a tear.

Living in Tacoma, Wash., up until five days ago, Sultan is the recipient of a mortgage-free, 3-bedroom, two-bath home with all new appliances thanks to Military Warriors Support Foundation (MWSF) and Wells Fargo.

“My place in Tacoma was nice, but small, he said, “only 700 square feet. It’s good to be out of the city.”

He commented on the new appliances, the wall paint color, but it was the outside space – the house sits on a little over an acre – that kept drawing his attention. The Purple Heart recipient applied for the program and chose the house and property over other locations because it was rural. It looked peaceful. He was ready for some peace and quiet. And, the yard will give his rescue dog plenty of room to romp and play.

Since 2010, Military Warriors Support Foundation has awarded almost 1,000 mortgage-free homes in all 50 states in its mission to serve the nation’s combat wounded veterans, single Gold Star spouses and their families, according to Allison Peterson, Donor Development Director, MWSF. Gold Stars are husbands or wives whose spouses were killed in action while serving in the U.S. military.

“It’s an honor for Wells Fargo to serve the brave men and women who have given so much through military service – and we take this commitment seriously,” said Houston Jones, Wells Fargo sr. private client advisor. “Home ownership is a goal for many Americans and Wells Fargo wants to help as many families as we can achieve it.”

Property donations are a part of Wells Fargo’s long-standing commitment to giving back and revitalizing communities. The Ragley home is one of more than 400 that has been donated. Eight are in Louisiana.

Both applicants and donated properties receive careful scrutiny from MWSF. Applicants complete special financial training before assuming ownership of the property. Properties are vetted for crime in the area, school standing, educational and job opportunities.

Sultan is medically retired and has received an associate degree in psychology since his medical retirement in 2008.

“I plan to officially or unofficially offer peer support for veterans,” he said. “It’s been two decades and veterans are still struggling to make the transition since coming home.”

Sultan  joined the U.S. Army to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather who fought in WW2. Jonathan was stationed in Ft. Benning, Georgia then went to Schweinfurt, Germany. He later deployed to Afghanistan in July 2007 where he was wounded in action. He was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star and others.