JACKSONVILLE — The season of giving has been a particularly special one for a Jacksonville couple on the receiving end of back-to-back gifts that will make a big difference in their lives.
Sgt. Justin Hunter and his wife, SSgt. Cherie Hunter, both Marine veterans, celebrated a random act of kindness Sunday when they traveled to Garner to pick up the title and keys to a 2009 Ford F-250 pick-up. The truck was being donated to them by football star Mario Williams, a Richlands native who is now a defensive end with the Buffalo Bills.
The Hunters have never met Williams but said they will benefit greatly from his generosity.
For Cherie Hunter, it will mean reliable transportation as she pursues a culinary career following her service in the Marine Corps. Her goal is to open a catering business in Jacksonville featuring international cuisine.
But their 1999 Sonoma has its share of problems and recently left her stranded at a rest area along I-40 while she was traveling to classes at the Culinary Art Institute program in Durham.
“Our truck is on its last leg and this gift will really help with all the travel,” she said.
Williams wanted to help a family in North Carolina and initially contacted the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, which then contacted North Carolina-based Purple Heart Homes, a nonprofit that provides housing solutions for service connected disabled veterans.
Purple Heart Homes provided the names of several potential families for the truck donation and the Hunters were chosen. Prior to hearing about the truck donation, the Hunters learned they had been selected by Purple Heart Homes to receive renovations to their home.
“It’s one blessing after another and we’re truly thankful for everything,” Cherie Hunter said.
Justin, 34, and Cherie, 33, met 14 years ago at a Marine recruiting office. They dated two weeks, headed off to boot camp and returned home to be married six months later. They have four children: Shawn, 9; Tatyana, 7; Jonathan, 6; and David, 4.
Justin Hunter served from 1990 to 2005, with two tours of duty in Iraq. He returned home with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and experiences severe bouts of depression.
Cherie Hunter served from 1998-2007. She was stationed in California during Operation Enduring Freedom as an aviation supply specialist.
The Hunters applied to Purple Heart Homes for assistance after learning about the program through retired Marine Jim Davis of Richlands, who received a handicap accessible home through the program in 2011.
Through a grant from The Home Depot Foundation, the Hunters will have renovations done to their home beginning in January. Renovations will include a new HVAC system, kitchen, bathroom, plumbing, electrical, carpeting, and vinyl siding.
Contact Daily News reporter Jannette Pippin at 910-382-2557 or jannette.pippin@jdnews.com.