PulteGroup’s Built to Honor Program Surprises Purple Heart Recipient with Mortgage-Free Home in Maryland

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--U.S. Army Sergeant Bryan Edwards received the surprise of a lifetime: he will be the recipient of a brand-new mortgage-free home through PulteGroup’s Built to Honor program. The surprise took place at Pulte Homes’ Watershed community in Laurel, Maryland, where Sgt. Edwards arrived for what he thought would be his final interview in the application process.

In a very exciting and special event, Sgt. Edwards and wife Annabel were surprised with the big news and officially broke ground on their future homesite. Built specifically for the Edwards family, the three-level new construction townhome will be 1,500+ square feet, with 3 bedrooms and 3.5-bathrooms. The home will be ready this fall.

“It was an incredibly exciting and emotional experience to see Bryan realize that he was actually the recipient of the new mortgage-free home,” said Jarod Blaney, president of PulteGroup’s Mid-Atlantic Division. “We are honored to build this home in appreciation of his bravery and service to our country, and we look forward to welcoming the Edwards family home in October.”

Watershed is a modern, naturally connected community woven into the scenic landscape of the Patuxent Wildlife Refuge, that features a unique variety of dynamic amenities and outdoor experiences. The lot where the Edwards family home will stand was graciously donated by Watershed developer Elm Street Communities.

“Proudly supportive of our nation’s veterans, Elm Street Communities is grateful for the privilege to participate in PulteGroup’s Built to Honor program. We warmly welcome Sgt. Bryan Edwards and Annabel to Watershed and wish them the best in their new Pulte home,” said Jim Krapf, vice president of Elm Street Communities.

This will be the second home dedicated in the greater Washington D.C. area through the Built to Honor program, and is in partnership with Operation Homefront, with the support of Elm Street Communities.

U.S. Army Sergeant Bryan Edwards
After serving in the National Guard, U.S. Army Sergeant Bryan Edwards enlisted in the Army in 2013 and experienced first deployment to Afghanistan by 2015.

During his second deployment to Afghanistan in 2016, Edwards was shot during a firefight after running to secure cover for his squad. He spent a year recovering at Walter Reed Military Medical Center. Due to his combat injuries, he suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and other physical injuries. For his valor, he was awarded a Purple Heart.

Edwards medically retired from the Army in 2017 and now resides in northern Virginia with his wife Annabel, who will soon become a therapist at Walter Reed. They are eager to grow deeper roots in the area as homeowners and start a family.

About Built to Honor®
PulteGroup’s Built to Honor® program recognizes and thanks returning military personnel who have been injured during their term of service by providing mortgage-free homes to veterans and their families. Launched in 2013, the program has built and donated more than 55 homes across the country. Built to Honor works in partnership with nonprofit organizations to identify veteran candidates. For more information about Built to Honor, go to http://builttohonor.org. Follow Built to Honor on Twitter: @BuiltToHonor and Facebook.com/BuiltToHonor.

About PulteGroup
PulteGroup, Inc. (NYSE: PHM), based in Atlanta, Georgia, is one of America’s largest homebuilding companies with operations in more than 40 markets throughout the country. Through its brand portfolio that includes Centex, Pulte Homes, Del Webb, DiVosta Homes, American West and John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods, the company is one of the industry’s most versatile homebuilders able to meet the needs of multiple buyer groups and respond to changing consumer demand. PulteGroup’s purpose is building incredible places where people can live their dreams.

For more information about PulteGroup, Inc. and PulteGroup brands, go to pultegroup.com; www.pulte.com; www.centex.com; www.delwebb.com; www.divosta.com; www.jwhomes.com; and www.americanwesthomes.com. Follow PulteGroup, Inc. on Twitter: @PulteGroupNews.

About Elm Street Communities
Since its founding in 1977, Elm Street Communities has grown into one of the largest privately-owned developers in the region. The firm specializes in the creation of planned communities, mixed-use developments and apartment communities that promote sustainable, environmentally responsible practices. Learn more at www.elmstreetdev.com.