Great News from Elevon: An Army Hero Comes Home
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, civilians may not always understand the unique challenges that separating from military service and returning to civilian life can present. Some of the challenges veterans find difficult include relating to people who don’t understand what military personnel have experienced, preparing to enter the workforce again, adjusting to a different pace of life and work, and reconnecting to family that may have created new routines in their absence. Some returning vets may even find themselves homeless due to mental health problems and, or economic hardships.
The department notes, “after more than 16 years of war in Iraq and Afghanistan, nearly 3 million Americans who fought in those conflicts have returned home. But studies have shown that veteran reintegration, the process by which returning service members resume roles in the family, community, and workplace, can be a battle in itself.” The VA noted that many vets struggle with PTSD and traumatic brain injury, as well as feelings of isolation, depression, and anxiety. Such conditions can fuel unemployment, marital instability, social isolation, and homelessness.”
Reintegration: A New Home Base
U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Semeli Toilolo served his country for over a decade, completing four deployments to Iraq. During his second tour in 2007, he saved seven lives after a suicide bomber wounded him and his squad, earning Toilolo the Purple Heart. The Purple Heart is awarded to military members injured and killed in combat, acknowledging their physical sacrifice in service to a grateful nation. Despite enduring post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and other ailments, Toilolo remains dedicated to service. “It’s an honor to serve our country,” he said.
Challenge of Reintegration
Veterans, especially those who served in combat, often face a challenge learning how to rejoin a community. When moving to a new base or post, the military helps personnel and families to adjust. This kind of structure is less available when someone separates from the military, and the veteran and his or her family must find new ways to join or create a social community.
That’s why organizations like Operation Finally Home are life-changing! This amazing program provides mortgage-free homes, home modifications, and transitional housing to wounded, ill, and injured military veterans, first responders, and their families in honor of their service and sacrifice to the country and community.
Established in 2005, Operation Finally Home (OPFH) has completed or is in the planning stages on more than 340 home projects in more than 33 states. Partnering with corporate sponsors, builder associations, builders, remodelers, developers, individual contributors, and volunteers, OPFH musters a community of professionals to help these heroes and their families with one of their most pressing needs – a place to call home.
This Story Gets Even Better: Groundbreaking Breakthrough!
On June 18, 2024, U.S. Staff Sergeant Toilolo and his family visited Elevon, a beautiful master-planned community in the charming town of Lavon, just north the DFW metroplex. The sergeant thought they were there to meet with representatives of Operation Finally Home as part of the interview process to receive a home.
To their overwhelming surprise and profound gratitude, in fact, they had been invited to attend the actual groundbreaking ceremony for their new home! Operation Finally Home, MA Partners, and Trophy Signature Homes all came together to plan and build a new home for the Toilolo family where he said he will live with his wife, kids and grandkids. Over 100 people attended the groundbreaking ceremony, a celebration of partnering in a gratitude agenda to see veterans live with the freedom they fought so bravely to protect.
Giving Back to Those Who Gave So Much
Unfortunately, homeownership remains out of reach for many veterans due to housing costs. In addition, injured and disabled veterans often lack the home modifications and supportive services they need to live safely.
Experts say that owning a home plays a significant role in restoring the dignity of returning soldiers. Greater financial stability and a sense of community benefit veterans, helping them to reintegrate back into civilian life. According to the construction professionals at Trophy Signature Homes, their collaboration with OPFH is about “more than building houses, it’s about building better futures and restoring dignity to those who’ve sacrificed so much.”
Bravo Trophy Signature Homes, Operation Finally Home, MA Partners, and one of America’s heroes – Staff Sergeant Semeli Toilolo! Congratulations to all.
