The Anderson Family

U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Michael Anthony Anderson

U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Michael Anderson of Lubbock, Texas, vividly remembers the events of Sept. 11, 2001. A fourth grader at the time, Michael watched then President George W. Bush’s speech in the aftermath of the terrorist attack and vowed to join the military when he was old enough.

When he was 17 years old, Michael joined the U.S. Marine Corps through their delayed entry program and left for boot camp days after his 18th birthday. During his four years of service, Michael primarily worked as a tactical switching operator (PMOS).

Michael sustained several injuries during his years of service to his country, including an ankle injury during boot camp, an injured elbow while serving in Afghanistan for which he has now undergone five surgeries, and back and groin injuries, among other issues. As a result of these injuries and others sustained during his service to his country, Christopher suffers from ongoing pain and headaches caused by a bulging disc, tinnitus and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

He has been honored with several awards and accolades for his service, including the Marine Corps good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with one star, three Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medals and many others. Michael was honorably discharged from the U.S. Marine Corps in 2014.

Michael met his wife, Jasmine, in 2012 while at home on leave from Afghanistan. They currently live in Lubbock, Texas, with their infant son and two dogs. They enjoy cooking, gaming and barbecuing together.

Since his discharge, Michael has worked as an electrician for Custom Homes by Robert Wood, a member of the West Texas Builders Association. He dreams of opening his own home-building business to make a lasting impact on his community. In addition, Michael would also like to help better the mental health of fellow veterans by working with a nonprofit or starting one that offers one-on-one therapy.

Operation Finally Home is honored to support West Texas Hero Homes to provide U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Michael Anthony Anderson and his family a custom-built, mortgage-free home in Lubbock.