U.S. Navy Veteran Receives Mortgage-Free Home in West Fargo

The gift was made possible thanks to a U.S. Bank donation, working alongside Freedom Alliance’s Heroes to Homeowners program.

WEST FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – Crowds lined the sidewalk on 55th Avenue West in West Fargo, eager to catch a glimpse of the U.S. Navy veteran set to move into his brand-new home.

Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Stuart Fuke hails from Oahu in the state of Hawaii, and his family’s military tradition was one of the main reasons he chose to enlist.

Stuart saw the horrors of war, up close and personal, and continues to feel their effects – suffering chronic pain as a result of being shot in the leg during combat.

“He requested to go be attached to Marines, which means you’re in the battle,” explained Tom Kilgannon, president of Freedom Alliance.

“You’re right there. There’s no place to hide. You’re taking bullets, you’re taking shrapnel, you’re running into the fire.”

He credits his best friend, Oscar Orozco, for saving his life on the battlefield that day.

Oscar, amongst other military comrades and Stuart’s loved ones, made journeys of many miles to be at this ceremony.

There, Stuart was presented with a home that is not only fully furnished, free of charge, but also comes to him without the weight of a mortgage payment.

“To be able to be part of that,” said Anna Dosen, representing U.S. Bank and their generous donation, “and to know he can focus on his healing and his journey – it’s a great day.”

It may seem strange to some that an island boy wants to put down roots in the tundra, but Stuart says he and his family are already feeling that Midwestern hospitality.

“We were already talking with each other, saying how this place is friendlier than Hawaii,” he said with a laugh.