Veteran presented with mortgage-free home

Operation Homefront, a national nonprofit organization which assists military families, awarded a newly renovated mortgage-free home to a U.S. Army veteran, courtesy of JPMorgan Chase & Co.

The Homes on the Homefront program presented Alena Smiley and her two children, 12-year-old son Allan and 17-year-old daughter Osyria, with a new home in Deltona on Thursday. 

"I'm so excited! It's the best like the best gift ever!" she said. "I'm so nervous but I'm so overwhelmed with joy!"

Smiley rose to the rank of staff sergeant and served as a human resources specialist. She served for 18 years before being honorable discharged in 2017. She is currently active in the Army National Guard.

The homes are donated by bank partners, including Chase and other major financial services companies.