PulteGroup Gifts New Mortgage-Free Home to Texas Veteran and Purple Heart Recipient

It was a special Veteran's Day as the Pecan Square community in Northlake, Texas, came together on Tuesday, Nov. 11, to celebrate U.S. Army Sergeant Christopher Irving receiving the keys to his new mortgage-free home.

This life-changing gift was made possible through PulteGroup's Built to Honor® program in partnership with BuildingHomes for Heroes. Built to Honor provides the gift of a new home to wounded veterans and their families across the country.

"Today, we are privileged to welcome U.S. Army Sergeant Christopher Irving and his family into their new home, a symbol of our gratitude for his courage and dedication to serving our country," said Bryan Swindell, Dallas Division President, PulteGroup. "Through our Built to Honor program, we provide more than just a house. We provide a place where memories are made, and dreams are realized. It is an honor to be part of this meaningful journey and to give back to a true American hero here in Dallas."

Community members lined the street as employees cheered the local fire department and the Johnie Daniel Elementary School during the procession. The North Texas Patriot Guard riders followed alongside the Lifestyle Team from Pecan Square. When Sgt. Irving arrived, the crowd erupted in emotional applause as he glimpsed his completed new home for the first time.

Several speakers shared moving tributes, including Chuck McCoy with the Patriot Guard, Building Homes for Heroes' President & General Counsel Kim Vesey, Hillwood Communities President Fred Balda, and of course PulteGroup Dallas Division President, Bryan Swindell. All shared touching tributes to Sgt. Irving as well as stories of personal and family experiences emphasizing the debt owed to our veterans.

One of the most touching moments came during Sgt. Irving's speech, where he thanked his wife Nikki for her sacrifices during his deployments and recovery. Recalling their early days, he shared a poignant story about once refusing to let her exit their car in an unsafe neighborhood. Turning to their new home, he declared, "Nikki, you can go in that house!"

Regina Pinnell, VP of Sales in PulteGroup's Dallas Division, then handed Sgt. Irving the keys to his mortgage-free home.

For Sgt. Irving, this home in Pecan Square is more than just a place to live. It's a symbol of gratitude for his service, a fresh start and a stable foundation for he and his family's future.

"It's beyond amazing," said Irving "The fact that we know behind that wall there's some messages of love and appreciation means even more. This house is built on bones of love and appreciation."