It's always great to hear a meaningful story happening in the homebuilding industry. Which is why we are pleased to share that one of our top builders, Perry Homes, just completed construction on a new specially-adapted home for an Army veteran, according to a recent article. 

Representatives with Perry Homes and Helping a Hero have completed the construction of a specialized home for Army veteran CPL (Ret.) Matt Deatherage, who was severely injured while serving overseas in Afghanistan. The home, located in the Trails at Westpointe community, marks the eleventh home the two organizations have built together for a wounded veteran, and their first completed project in San Antonio.

Recently, the two organizations held a "Welcome Home Ceremony" to honor CPL Deatherage for his service and sacrifice, and to present him with the keys to his brand new home. The event was attended by dozens of veterans – many of whom were also wounded while serving in the forces – as well as hundreds of residents from across San Antonio who wanted to show their support for CPL Deatherage. Notable guests included Congressman Chip Roy, Texas State Senator Jose Menendez and country singer-songwriter Lee Greenwood, who performed his signature song "God Bless the U.S.A.”

"Kathy Britton, our owner and CEO, mentioned that this is the most important home built on her watch," said Chris Little, Perry Homes City President, during the Welcome Home Ceremony. "From design to purchasing and across every department throughout our company, it has been unbelievable to see how each person has been so happy to do what they could to make Matt's home special."

CPL Matt Deatherage joined the Army in 2010 and served his first deployment in Kandahar, Afghanistan. On March 10, 2011, CPL Deatherage was wounded in the line of duty. To date, he has undergone 37 surgeries and is a bilateral amputee, wearing state-of-the-art prosthetics on both legs.

"Having a new home specially built for me is a dream come true, and I'm honored that Perry Homes and Helping a Hero have given me this opportunity of a lifetime," said CPL Deatherage. "I am looking forward to starting a new chapter of my life in this wonderful community, with a solid network of current military members and fellow veterans who I can count on. There were many others who paid a much greater price than I did, and if I were given the opportunity to go back and do it all over again, I would do it in a heartbeat."

Perry Homes worked closely with Helping a Hero to design a handicap-accessible 2,529 sq. ft. home for CPL Deatherage featuring four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a library, and an extended covered patio. Some adaptations included wider hallways, lower countertops, a modified restroom area, flush thresholds, and other safety features to enable CPL Deatherage to be independent.

"CPL Deatherage embodies everything it means to be a warrior – a true American hero," said Meredith Iler, Chairman Emeritus of Helping a Hero. "He answered the call when our country needed his service, offering himself without fear or hesitation. Now Helping a Hero, along with Perry Homes, is privileged to answer his call for support through the construction of this new home, giving him the chance to continue out his legacy with a solid foundation and a fresh start."