- February 5, 2025
-
-
Loading
Loading
As the clock ticked closer to 11 a.m., more and more people began crowding the front lawn of the one-story home near Spruce Creek Road.
There were families, business owners, veterans groups, even a member of city council present, but all of them were there for the same reason — to welcome Army Sergeant Stephen Pyle and his family to their new home.
Michael Syfert, second in command for the Combat Vets Association, had only met Pyle two weeks before the house opening. Nevertheless, being there for a veteran was what was most important.
"That's what the CVA is all about," Syfert said. "We're vets helping veterans."
A few minutes past 11 a.m. two vehicles pulled up to the house amidst the cheers and clapping of the crowd. Out stepped Pyle and his six children to see their new home. There were pictures, handshakes, more than one "welcome home" and then it was time to go inside. Pyle and his family spent several minutes moving between rooms and checking out the backyard before everyone else joined them for cake and to admire the Pyle's new home.
The Beginning
Pyle joined the Army right after high school in 1984 and served for eight years before being discharged in 1992. Then, in 2001, he re-enlisted to serve in combat in Iraq where he sustained life-threatening injuries when his unit came under attack in Mosul.
The impact from a mortar round that had exploded nearby sent Pyle flying into the side of a vehicle knocking him unconscious. He woke to find that he was being physically attacked by two enemies. Even though he was injured, Pyle was able to overpower both individuals with a bayonet and hide in the rubble before U.S. forces found him.
Pyle was medevacked but now suffers from a traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, injuries to his neck, back and right foot, deep vein thrombosis, a pulmonary embolism, post-thrombotic syndrome and eardrum damage.
Because of his service, Pyle was awarded the Purple Heart, Iraq Campaign Medal, Army Achievement Medals, Army Commendation Medals, Army Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon and the Overseas Service Ribbon.
Homes for Heroes
When an application for a home came in from an Army veteran by the name of Stephen Pyle, the people at the Building Homes for Heroes non-profit knew they had to help.
The organization builds and modifies homes before giving them, mortgage-free, to wounded veterans and their families. Building Homes for Heroes has been able to help more than 130 families across the nation.
Kim Valdyke, Building Homes for Heroes director of construction, said Pyle had asked if he and his family could be in Port Orange. The organization teamed up with Chase Bank and soon a house, donated by the bank, was found.
But for Valdyke, providing veterans with a house is more than giving them a place to live, it's a way for them to put down roots without the added financial burden.
"They're always under huge stress on how they're going to take care of their families," Valdyke said. "Putting them in these homes helps them continue to heal and makes them better and it takes the huge worry of having a safe place for their family off their plate."
Coming Home
After the Pyle family had toured their new home and received hugs and handshakes, there was still something else that needed be done. With everyone crowded in the kitchen and living room, Pyle was handed the keys to his house.
"I can't conceive words that are good enough to express my thanks and gratitude. I'm humbled and very grateful. It's beautiful," Pyle said, adding, "I and my family have come a long way. Today is a great day.
Pyle and his family finally had a home.
