Sgt. Rubin Anderson receives a hug upon arriving at his new home in Lookout Valley on Thursday.A rumbling motorcycle escort guided retired U.S. Army Sgt. Rubin Anderson into Lookout Valley on Thursday morning. A clutch of more than three dozen well-wishers stood in his new yard and driveway snapping photos as Anderson stepped out of his pickup truck and toward his new home.
Sweat beaded the 38-year-old Iraq War veteran’s close-cropped scalp as he listed to first the bank representative, then Chattanooga’s mayor, then others as they said how grateful they were for his service and thankful they could help with this home.
Volunteers had patched wallboard and gathered donated furniture, a lawnmower and food from local stores so the Anderson family wouldn’t step into an empty house.
Moments before Bank of America/Merrill Lynch representative Carol George handed over the key to Anderson’s mortgage-free house near Browns Ferry Road, the veteran had a few words of thanks of his own.
“I’m really overwhelmed,” Anderson told the crowd. “I’ve heard nothing but good things about the community, the area, the overall love. And I’m feeling it right now.”