Key Takeaways
- LERETA Tax Grants provide a year of property tax relief for veterans in Operation Homefront’s Permanent Homes for Veterans (PHV) program.
- Veterans like Cheryl D. and Jerry W. are finding stability and opportunities for their families as they build a future in their mortgage-free homes.
- The program honors military service while reducing financial stress, helping families focus on growth and community.
For many military families, homeownership represents more than just a place to live—it’s a foundation for building a secure future and thriving in their chosen communities following their heroic service to our country. Through its partnership with Operation Homefront, LERETA continues to support military veterans by providing LERETA Tax Grants, one-time awards that cover a year of property taxes for veterans who have successfully completed the Permanent Homes for Veterans (PHV) program.
Two inspiring veterans, Cheryl D. and Jerry W., are the latest to receive a LERETA Tax Grant, which helps to ease the financial burden of homeownership and allow them to focus on the next chapters of their lives.
Cheryl D. – Columbia, SC
Army Specialist Cheryl D. served honorably for 13 years with deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait. She successfully completed the PHV program in November 2024, an achievement she describes as a significant milestone for her family.
Since then, Cheryl has been working hard on her graduate studies and preparing to begin her career in education while also being a single parent to her two-year-old daughter and teenage son, who will be entering his senior year of high school. She recently accepted a teaching position for the 2025-26 school year,
“Entering the education field is financially and emotionally demanding, especially in the first year,” Cheryl said. “My biggest challenge is balancing the costs of classroom materials with the responsibilities of raising two growing children.”
The LERETA Tax Grant will help Cheryl stabilize her family’s finances during this transition.
“This grant will significantly help my family as I balance parenting, full-time graduate studies, and my first year of teaching,” she said. “With property taxes covered, I can focus on providing for my children’s essential needs and preparing for a successful start to my teaching career.”
Jerry W. – Riverview, FL
For Jerry W. and his wife Jeaniel, both Navy veterans, the PHV program has been life-changing. Jerry served seven years in the Navy, and Jeaniel served four years before retiring from the Navy Reserve earlier this year. With four children ranging from age six to 21, the family has been thriving in their new home and staying active in their community. Their oldest son recently graduated from the fire academy, while their second oldest just began college nearby. Their middle daughter is excelling in high school and student government, and their youngest recently started first grade.
Jerry and Jeaniel, who both work for nonprofit organizations, have worked hard to build a strong financial foundation. While big expenses such as tuition, braces and daycare once caused stress, they’ve been able to manage without setbacks thanks to their mortgage-free home.
The LERETA Tax Grant provides an additional boost, freeing up funds to cover their youngest child’s medical treatments and contribute to college tuition.
“We are deeply grateful for this grant,” Jerry said. “Property taxes in our area run upwards of $9,000 annually. Knowing those costs are covered gives us peace of mind and allows us to focus on our family’s needs and future goals.”
Honoring Service, Easing Burdens
Cheryl and Jerry join a growing group of veterans who have benefited from the LERETA Tax Grants program, which not only honors their military service but also helps create lasting financial stability by promoting responsible homeownership.
By easing the burden of property taxes, LERETA is proud to help veterans and their families put down roots and thrive in their communities. This partnership with Operation Homefront reflects LERETA’s commitment to supporting those who have given so much in service to our country.
