Former Marine Brandon Johnson and his family open the door to their new, mortgage-free house in Madison on Nov. 10, the 239th anniversary of the Marine Corps’ founding. (Record Photo/Nick Sellers)

By Nick Sellers | Staff Writer

MADISON – On the same day the United State Marine Corps celebrated its 239^th birthday, one of its own christened a brand-new, mortgage-free home on the south end of Madison.

Brandon Johnson, 29, received a whale of a surprise in June when Jeff Benton Homes, in partnership with Operation FINALLY HOME, announced that Johnson, his wife and three kids would receive a 2,600-square-foot house on Autumn Cove Drive.

At that time, however, it was just a parcel of land. On Nov. 10, the property became the Johnsons’ newest home.

“It’s a very exciting day for all of us,” Jeff Benton said. “It’s been an honor to have been a part of this project.”

Johnson, who enlisted in the Marines at age 17 and reached the rank of corporal, was injured in 2004 during his deployment to Iraq when an improvised explosive device (IED) went off under the Humvee he was riding in. As a result, Johnson suffered a traumatic brain injury, degenerative disc disease and localized intense pain in his left leg.

He also contracted severe post-traumatic stress disorder.

The Johnsons’ home is the 67^th installment of Operation FINALLY HOME nationwide, and the first in Alabama.

“What is there to really say?” Johnson said, nearly lost for words.

The Johnsons will be able to move out of their cramped home in Gurley, which does not easily accommodate Brandon and his physical limitations.

It will also give his children plenty of room for recreation, with a fenced-in backyard and playground set.

“Now me and my sister won’t have to share a room!” 9-year-old Amy, the oldest of Johnson’s children, exclaimed.