Meritage Homes Corporation (NYSE:MTH) and Operation Homefront are joining forces to thank a local Colorado veteran for his service.

U.S. Army Specialist and two-time Purple Heart recipient Herbert Jackson was presented with the keys to a brand new, energy-efficient home. He and his family will move into the 1,837-square-foot property in Commerce City, Colo and enter Operation Homefront’s Homes on the Homefront (HOTH) program.

During his seven years in the U.S. Army, SPC Jackson carried out multiple missions in Iraq and was honorably discharged in 2013 after suffering from a traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress and other injuries.

“This new home will actually make a huge difference,” said Jackson. “It will definitely help us financially, and it will also allow us more room to focus on paying down debt, including earlier student loans. We are so grateful for the opportunity to move toward a stronger, more stable, and secure future.”

The three-bedroom home, donated by Meritage Homes, comes complete with the M.Connected Home™ Automation Suite, a two-car garage, private study/flex room and a covered outdoor living area. It also includes Meritage standard money-saving features, such as ENERGY STAR® appliances, spray-foam insulation and energy-efficient windows, which can cut heating and cooling costs by as much as 50%.

Upon successful completion of the HOTH program, the Jacksons will graduate and receive the deed to their home. This is the twelfth new home Meritage Homes has built and donated to veterans through the Homes on the Homefront program. Since 2012, more than 600 homes have been awarded, more than 500 families have graduated from the program and have been deeded their home, mortgage-free. The HOTH program has provided $75 million dollars in associated home equity to military families.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have been able to partner with Meritage to provide 12 mortgage-free homes to veteran families over the past six years,” said Brig. Gen. (ret.) John I. Pray, Jr., president and CEO of Operation Homefront. “Today, we thank Meritage for their unwavering commitment to supporting military families and helping us give Army veteran Herbert Jackson and his family, the opportunity to thrive, not simply struggle to get by, in the community they have worked so hard to protect.”

“It is with tremendous pride and respect that we welcome the Jackson family into their new home, and we extend our sincerest gratitude to all of our courageous armed forces both here and abroad,” said Steve Hilton, CEO of Meritage Homes. “We are humbled to be a part of this opportunity to help the Jackson family begin a new chapter in their lives and are honored to hand them the keys to their brand-new, mortgage-free home. We wish the Jackson family a home full of good health, stability and love.”