A native of Utica who joined the Army in 2010 and has since earned many medals, has been given a "no strings attached" home.  Austin Hunsinger is a specialist stationed at Fort Drum near Watertown, and has served in Afghanistan.  He has earned the Combat Action Badge, 2 Afghan Campaign Medals, an Overseas Ribbon and the NATO medal.

Hunsinger, who will soon be medically retired from the Army, was given the house through a program to donate housing to soldiers, veterans, and military spouses.  The Watertown Daily Times reported that the decorated soldier was given the house mortgage free by Bank of America and Nehemiah Community Reinvestment Fund.

Specialist Hunsinger has a 6-year-old daughter who told him that she wants to paint her new bedroom pink.   He told the Watertown paper that he hopes to give back to the community and find a way to use his own experiences to support fellow veterans and soldiers going through hard times.

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