Wounded Veteran Receives Keys To New, Mortgage-Free Home In Virginia

WASHINGTON, Nov. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. Army Sgt. Matthew White with his two dogs Nike and Toffee recently received the keys to a new mortgage-free and fully-furnished Centex home in the Cherry Hill Crossing community in Dumfries, Virginia. The new home was donated by PulteGroup's Built to Honor program, which provides the gift of a new home to wounded veterans and their families across the country.

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An enthusiastic group of more than 100 well-wishers, including the North Stafford HS AFJRROTC Color Guard, Combat Veteran Motorcycle Association riders, Hampton Roads 82^nd Airborne Division veterans, friends, family members, PulteGroup employees, and trade partners were on hand to greet Sgt. White as he arrived to the dedication ceremony for his new home.

"It has truly been an honor to build this home for Sgt. White who served our country with honor and integrity," said Jarod Blaney, Mid-Atlantic division president of PulteGroup, which is the parent company of Centex, Pulte Homes and Del Webb.  "The home is a way for us to say thank you for what Matthew has done for our country and what he has gone through on his path to recovery. We respect his bravery and dedication, fighting spirit and his giving heart, and want to join the Dumfries community in welcoming him with open arms."

During Sgt. White's second deployment to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom, he was injured on a dismounted foot patrol by an I.E.D, had countless surgeries and eventually had his right leg amputated from the knee down. In addition to competing in many running and sporting events, Matthew works with the Senate Committee on Veteran's Affairs and Board of Veteran's Appeal in the FOIA office in order to help other veterans and their families. 

More than 50 national and local contractors, trade partners and PulteGroup employees donated time, money and resources to build the 1,800+ sq. ft. townhome. In particular, the home's furniture was donated by Rachael Ray from her new Rachael Ray Home collection. Sgt. White is expected to share his story of recovery and transition to civilian life on a special Veterans Day segment on the Rachael Ray Show Friday, November 11, 2016.

In advance of the event, Sgt. White also encouraged attendees to bring nonperishable food and pet supplies in support of various local community organizations. Guests as well as Pet Valu generously gave more than 100 pounds of donations and money to support Sgt. White's outreach efforts.

"I'm very involved with several anti-animal cruelty campaigns and I wanted this event to also be an opportunity to gather donations for the local shelters and rescues in the area," said Sgt. White.

Sgt. White applied for the new home through Operation FINALLY HOME, a 501(c)(3) organization that honors wounded, ill and injured veterans and widows of fallen soldiers with new custom-built, mortgage-free homes.

About Built to Honor™
PulteGroup's Built to Honor™ program was launched in 2013 to recognize and thank returning military personnel who have been injured during their term of service by providing mortgage-free homes to veterans and their families.  Built to Honor works in partnership with nonprofit organizations, such as Operation FINALLY HOME, to identify veteran candidates.  Follow Built to Honor on Twitter: @BuiltToHonor.

SOURCE PulteGroup, Inc.

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