The dream of homeownership is about to become reality for a 40th veteran and his family through PulteGroup's Built to Honor program.  This newest award marks a significant milestone in PulteGroup's efforts to support our nation's servicemen and women. On Friday, July 8 at 9 a.m., Retired U.S. Army Sgt. John Jaramillo and his family will receive a new mortgage-free Centexhome in the Greater Tampa Bay area – Built to Honor's 40th home dedication.

PulteGroup's Built to Honor program was launched in 2013 to recognize and thank returning military personnel injured during their term of service by providing mortgage-free homes to selected veterans and their families.  In just three years, a total of 40 veterans, along with their 70 children across 15 states are creating life-long memories in their new homes. Additionally, more than 13,000 employee hours have been volunteered and 15,000 Notes of Love blanket the wall studs of these homes.  

"Upon returning home, many veterans, particularly those wounded during their service, face a variety of challenges including dealing with their injuries, transitioning back to civilian life and finding suitable housing," said Ryan Marshall, president of PulteGroup. "As a homebuilder, providing a home is the best way for PulteGroup to help ease their struggles and give their families security, peace of mind, and a place to call home.

It was always envisioned that a Built to Honor home was meant to be a foundation on which the veteran and their family could build the next stage of their lives, and many of them have done just that, says Marshall. Several heroes are enrolled in college; some have started their own businesses; some are giving back to their communities by helping other veterans; while one hero has started a community band for children and another hero recently taking silver in the Invictus Games. 

"Now, 40 homes later, we are humbled by the lives this program has touched and amazed by how our Built to Honor heroes have flourished as they rebuild their lives here at home," said Marshall.  "It must be highlighted that the Built to Honor program is possible only because of the generous donations of time, materials and financial support from our national and local suppliers and trade partners who have enthusiastically supported every build we have undertaken."  

Retired U.S. Army Sgt. John Jaramillo and Family to Receive the Keys

Retired U.S. Army Sgt. John Jaramillo and his family will see their new 2,830-square-foot, fully-furnished and designer-decorated home for the first time, which was built in collaboration with dozens of national and local trade partners and Military Warriors Support Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports our nation's wounded heroes as they transition out of the military and into civilian life. 

In front of thousands of fans at last December's St. Petersburg Bowl Game, Sgt. Jaramillo, his wife Dania, and two young children Jazmin and John, Jr., were surprised to learn that they would be the recipients of the new mortgage-free home. Sgt. Jaramillo served two enlistments in the Army and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2011 where he was injured by an IED. He retired in 2013 and received numerous commendations, including a Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, and two Army Commendation Medals

"This very deserving veteran and his family got a fresh start today and we hope their new Centex home will help provide them with many future happy memories," said Sean Strickler, president of the Company's West Florida Division.

Located in the Bayridge Centex community in Ruskin, Florida, the two-story home was customized for the family and includes five bedrooms, a game room, covered lanai, and two-car garage. The family-friendly community features a walking trail, private swimming pool, soccer field and children's playground.

On Friday, July 8 at 9 a.m., join us at the dedication event, which will be streamed live on Facebook at facebook.com/BuiltToHonor. 

For more information about the 40th home, visit http://bit.ly/BuiltToHonor40.