RIO RANCHO, N.M. – On Wednesday morning, ceremonial shovels broke ground at a groundbreaking ceremony for a local veteran’s future mortgage-free home. Sgt. David Halona, an Iraq War veteran with a strong military background, is set to receive a home that will help provide a stable foundation for him and his family.

The ceremony was attended by notable community leaders, including the Mayor of Rio Rancho, Greg Hull, who showed his support for the veteran and emphasized the significant role that veterans play in the local community. "We’ve got a really big veteran community here in Rio Rancho. They play a huge role in our community. They’re involved in just about every aspect you can think of. Volunteering, working for non-profits, doing different things throughout the community,” said Hull.

This home-building project is part of a collaboration between the Building Homes for Heroes group and Pulte Homes, which have worked together to provide housing for veterans. Sgt. Halona and his family are among the many veterans who benefit from these generous contributions.

The new home for Sgt. Halona will be mortgage-free, a gift that represents both the community’s gratitude for his service and the ongoing support for veterans transitioning back to civilian life. Building Homes for Heroes is known for its mission to provide veterans and their families with homes that offer a fresh start and a chance at new opportunities. The home will serve as a beacon of support and appreciation for the sacrifices that veterans like Sgt. Halona have made in service to the country.

"Being part of this incredible organization and seeing veterans like Sgt. Halona finally receiving a home that they deserve is truly an honor,” said a spokesperson from Building Homes for Heroes. “This is just one of many projects we have to ensure that those who have served our nation are given the support they need to thrive."

Sgt. Halona expressed his gratitude for the community's generosity and support, noting how impactful this gesture is for him and his family. "This means the world to us. It’s hard to express how much it means to have a place to call home, especially after serving in the military. This will change our lives," he said.

The construction of the new home is expected to be completed soon, and Sgt. Halona is eager to begin this new chapter of his life with his family. The project also highlights the growing need for community efforts to support veterans and their reintegration into civilian life.

Local organizations and city leaders like Mayor Hull continue to advocate for initiatives that give back to veterans, helping them adjust and rebuild after their service.

For further information on Building Homes for Heroes or ways to get involved, visit their website at BuildingHomesForHeroes.org.

Originally reported by Jordan Honeycutt in KRQE.