A HOME FOR A HERO

Nonprofit organization helps veterans achieve homeownership

After joining the military in 2002 and serving back-to-back 15-month deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, U.S. Army Sergeant Roland Sengstock experienced countless firefights and gruesome missions. He was knocked unconscious by a bomb and was in a helicopter crash. Honorably discharged, he suffers from posttraumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, degenerative disc disease, facial disfigurement, allergies and migraines.

Sengstock’s transition to civilian life has been made easier with the help of his wife, Anne, and their three children. In December 2018, while at a Houston Texans game, Sengstock and his family became one step closer to their next goal of owning their own home. As the winner of the “Last Fan Standing” contest, Sengstock received a custom-built, mortgagefree home from Operation Finally Home, a national nonprofit organization that brings together home builders, suppliers and supporters to provide custombuilt, mortgage-free homes for American’s wounded, ill and injured veterans, their spouses and families. The nonprofit partnered with the Texans, among other organizations, for the contest.

“We have a mission to provide homes and home modifications to America’s military heroes and the widows of the fallen who have sacrificed so much...,” said Dan Wallrath, founder of Operation Finally Home.

This past August — eight months after they received their surprise — the Sengstocks received the keys to their new home in The Woodland Hills, north of Houston, during a dedication ceremony attended by representatives from Operation Finally Home and sponsors Century Communities, The Howard Hughes Corporation, Greater Houston Builders Organization (GHBA) and the Houston Texans. When the family first toured their new home, they found a fully stocked pantry thanks to donations.

“I feel so blessed to have the support of these selfless organization,” Sengstock said. “I will never be able to fully express my gratitude.”

Since its inception in 2005, Operation Finally Home has had more than 250 home projects completed or in planning in 33 states, including 45 in the

Houston area.

Courtesy of Operation Finally Home U.S. Army Sergeant Roland Sengstock and his family joined representatives from Operation Finally Home, Century Communities, The Howard Hughes Corporation, GHBA and the Houston Texans, to celebrate the dedication of their new mortgage-free home in The Woodlands Hills.