PulteGroup and Building Homes for Heroes Surprise U.S. Army Veteran and Break Ground on New Mortgage-Free Home in Chicago

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The dream of homeownership is becoming reality for U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Tomee Phetsisouk and his two daughters as PulteGroup’s Built to Honor program and Building Homes for Heroes officially broke ground on their future mortgage-free home in the Chicago suburbs. A special ceremony held Wednesday at Naperville Polo Club by Pulte Homes marked the beginning of construction on the custom-designed residence tailored to accommodate the combat-wounded veteran’s needs.

What began as what Staff Sergeant Phetsisouk believed was an in-person interview as part of his application process, transformed into an emotional moment of surprise and gratitude when he discovered he was the recipient of a brand-new mortgage-free home. A life-changing gift that will forever redefine his family’s future. The groundbreaking ceremony brought together representatives from both PulteGroup and Building Homes for Heroes, alongside community supporters, local officials, and military veterans to honor the Phetsisouk family’s journey.

“This groundbreaking represents a pivotal moment in Staff Sergeant Phetsisouk’s journey toward healing," said Andy Pujol, founder and CEO of Building Homes for Heroes. “After facing dangerous combat conditions and suffering life-altering injuries in service to our nation, he deserves a home where he and his daughters can build a future together. This project exemplifies the power of organizations coming together to support those who've sacrificed so much for our freedoms.”

Following the groundbreaking event, PulteGroup’s Built to Honor program and Building Homes for Heroes will collaborate to build and deliver a home specifically designed to address the challenges facing Staff Sergeant Phetsisouk, who suffers from injuries sustained during his deployments to Iraq.

“At PulteGroup, we believe in building more than houses—we build homes where families can thrive,” said Andy Stern, president of PulteGroup’s Illinois division. “Creating this home for Staff Sergeant Phetsisouk’s family aligns perfectly with our mission to make a positive difference in the communities we serve. Our entire team is committed to delivering a home that will support his physical needs and provide his family with stability for years to come.”

U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Tomee Phetsisouk

Staff Sergeant Phetsisouk enlisted in the Army in August 2003 and served for over nine years before being medically retired in November 2012. During his two deployments to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, he served as an infantry squad leader, routinely facing extreme dangers. On his second deployment, his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED), resulting in severe head trauma, back and neck injuries, and shrapnel wounds. Despite his injuries, he continued fighting until medics reached him.

The Department of Veterans Affairs has recognized his sacrifice with a 100% disability rating. For his service, Staff Sergeant Phetsisouk is the recipient of the Army Commendation Medal, Valorous Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with four Campaign Stars, Combat Infantry Badge, and numerous other honors.

The new single-family home, scheduled for completion in the Fall of 2025, will accommodate Staff Sergeant Phetsisouk’s specific needs while providing his family with the space and comfort they deserve. Once completed, it will be the fifth home provided to wounded veterans in Illinois through this partnership.