By Kevin Hendricks
Two programs began constructing a mortgage-free home for U.S. Army Sergeant David Halona, a three-tour Iraq veteran.
Building Homes for Heroes and the Built to Honor program at home construction company PulteGroup hosted the groundbreaking ceremony on March 5 in Rio Rancho, marking a step in honoring Halona’s service and sacrifice.
Halona, who served for 12 years and medically retired in 2016, was surprised with the news of receiving the home during a New Mexico United game in October. His military career included deployments to Iraq as an Intelligence Analyst and Motor Transport Operator during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn. He comes from a family with a strong military background, including relatives who served as Navajo Code Talkers in World War II.
Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull stated the city’s commitment to helping veterans at the ceremony.
“Rio Rancho is proud to support its veterans and veteran community,” Mayor Hull stated. “Seeing a distinguished veteran such as Sergeant Halona receive this beautiful home gives me a great sense of pride in our community.”
The partnership between Building Homes for Heroes and Pulte Homes’ Built to Honor program aims to provide mortgage-free homes to injured veterans and their families. The organizations emphasize that they are building not just houses but futures for these heroes.