Pictured: Earlier this year, the Beesting Family received a custom-built home in Wellen Park. Photo courtesy of Homes for Heroes.

The August edition of Wellen Park Living highlighted the May groundbreaking ceremony for Retired Air Force Sergeant Daniel Beesting, his wife Alicia, and their three children. The family was presented with a mortgage-free home in the Lakespur neighborhood of Wellen Park, a gift made possible by Building Homes for Heroes and PulteGroup’s Built to Honor program, both committed to assisting injured veterans, first responders and their families.

Sergeant Beesting served ten years in the Air Force before being honorably discharged as a disabled, combat-wounded veteran. After returning home, the family faced another crisis when Hurricane Ian destroyed their Rotonda West home in 2022. For months, they lived in an RV parked in their driveway, trying to rebuild their lives from scratch.

As native Floridians, the Beestings had weathered hurricanes before, but this one left lasting emotional and financial damage. “From the moment the hurricane hit until the groundbreaking ceremony, we were in limbo,” Sergeant Beesting shared. “We were doing our best, but with no real idea of what came next. It was unsettling.”

On September 26, three years after their long period of uncertainty began, the Beesting family was finally welcomed to their new home with a heartfelt celebration. Dozens gathered for a patriotic ceremony filled with flags, applause and a parade. The day culminated in an emotional moment as the family stepped inside their forever home for the first time.

“When we opened the door, it was completely overwhelming,” said Alicia. “We knew the floor plan, but hadn’t seen the house. It was so beautiful—it was hard to believe it was really ours.”

Just a few months after moving in, the Beestings say their new house already feels like home. It came fully furnished, with a stocked pantry and warm welcomes from neighbors.

The Beetsting's story has sparked interest from veterans across the country. “Many of us come home from service feeling lost,” Sergeant Beesting said. “I’ve been there and I still feel that way on occasion. You have to ask for help—and keep asking. Alicia didn’t give up. After other resources told us we didn’t qualify for one reason or another, she reached out to Building Homes for Heroes, thanks to a recommendation from our VA coordinator. We’ve been part of their program since 2013.”

“It really feels like they’re trying to build an idyllic community here in Wellen Park,” he adds. “And we’re incredibly lucky to be a part of it.”

Pictured: Earlier this year, the Beesting Family received a custom-built home in Wellen Park. Photo courtesy of Homes for Heroes.