OWENSBORO, Ky. – Retired Army Master Sgt. Ed Hawk received keys to a newly renovated, mortgage-free home Monday morning.

Freedom Alliance and U.S. Bank worked together to renovate the home so that it would be ready for when Master Sgt. Hawk and his family’s arrival.

“It’s a chance to start a new life for them,” said Joshua Miles from Freedom Alliance. “He’s recovering from his wounds and this is a great way to pay him back for his service to our nation.”

Since 2013, U.S. Bank has donated 22 homes valued at $4.8 million to deserving military families in thriving communities across the country.

“It’s pretty overwhelming. I don’t know if I can put to words how we are feeling,” said Master Sgt. Hawk, married to his wife Amy since 2004. “It is quite an honor.”

The Hawks have six adult children and are passionate about supporting families in need. The couple has fostered parented more than 150 children throughout their marriage. The Hawks have also adopted three foster children; two of their adopted children, ages 7 and 13, have special needs.

Master Sgt. Hawk enlisted in the U.S. Army at age 18. His first deployment was Operation Desert Shield/Desert storm in Iraq. In 1995, he deployed to Haiti with the 82^nd Airborne. This was followed by stationing in Alaska for a brief period before his return for two years to Fort Benning as a U.S. Army Ranger Instructor.

His military service continued and in late 2002, he was redeployed to Iraq for one year to support Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), decorated with a Purple Heart for wounds sustained in service.

Over the next few years he held positions at Kentucky’s Fort Campbell as an Operations Sergeant for OIF and as a Company First Sergeant in Operation Enduring Freedom.

After 21 years of military service, Master Sgt. Hawk retired in March 2011. He currently receives medical treatment for combat-related injuries.

The Hawk family’s renovated three-bedroom, two-bathroom home is donated by U.S. Bank through its Housing Opportunities after Military Engagement (H.O.M.E.) program, in conjunction with Freedom Alliance’s Heroes to Homeowners program. Amenities include stainless steel appliances and upgraded kitchen cabinets and granite countertops.

The Hawks hope to be fully settled in and finish the move-in process just in time for Thanksgiving.