Tilson Homes believes in fostering a continuing commitment to our communities through volunteerism and philanthropy. As a company we have worked with organizations to support service members, and those affected by natural disasters in our community. We also encourage our employees to participate in efforts to support their neighbors and communities.
In April 2016, Tilson Homes paired up with Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land and Operation Finally Home to provide U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Charles R. Landry Jr. and family a mortgage-free Tilson Home in Richmond, TX.
The Landry family were surprised with the news that they would receive a new home at a Skeeters game in September 2015. Staff Sgt. Landry joined the U.S. Army in June 2002 and was stationed at the U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) Schweinfurt in Schweinfurt, Germany. While stationed in Germany, Landry deployed to Iraq multiple times. During his first deployment he experienced many firefights and vehicle borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs). He suffered concussions from being knocked unconscious during rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) and improvised explosive device (IED) attacks. During his second deployment his entire unit suffered many casualties, which took a toll on his physical and mental health. He deployed for his third tour to Iraq in October 2009, spending 12 months under rocket attacks while he was stationed near a main supply route.
As a result of Landry’s 39 total months in combat, he suffers from a traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder, and post-traumatic headaches. He medically retired from the military in July 2015, and was ready to make a new start with his wife, Kathleen, and their three children.
In August 2012, Tilson Homes, SouthStar, and Operation Finally Home partnered to provide the Malarsie family with a mortgage-free home in New Braunfels, TX.
In January 2010, a month into his first deployment, Senior Airman Michael Malarsie set out for a routine foot patrol in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Just as the squad approached an abandoned village, two IEDs were tripped, immediately killing all four of Malarsie’s compatriots.
Malarsie, the group’s only survivor, was permanently blinded by the attack. Upon recovery from his injuries and completion of a lengthy rehabilitation, Malarsie and his family relocated to San Antonio where he leads an Air Force program designed to help other wounded veterans re-acclimate to civilian life.
Inspired by stories like the Malarsies’, Tilson Homes has been fortunate to be able to offer support to Operation Finally Home, a non-profit organization devoted to alleviating one of the biggest pressures for returned wounded and disabled veterans: financing a home.
“Thousands of wounded veterans return stateside only to find themselves in financial distress as a result of their injuries and disabilities,” said Tilson Homes president and CEO Eddie Martin. “We are honored to be able to assist Operation Finally Home in relieving the burden on families like the Malarsies so they can focus on recovery.”
Just before Christmas in 2010, Tilson Homes teamed up with the Texas Association of Builders, Temple-Inland, Operation Finally Home and an army of volunteers to build a home in just a week through the ABC television show, “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”. The recipient of the home was Patrick Zeigler, a soldier who was severely wounded in the 2009 shooting at Fort Hood, and his fiancée.
Zeigler had returned home from Iraq two weeks prior to the shooting, suffered a nearly fatal wound to his head and spent the next 10 months battling for his life. His fiancée, Jessica Hansen, put her degree on hold in order to aid Zeigler in his recovery.
Thousands of volunteers turned out to the Salado, TX homesite to take part in the effort, many of whom were soldiers from Zeigler’s former unit and Brigade. Eddie Martin, president of Tilson Homes, said “It is incredibly moving and inspiring to see the courage and commitment that this young couple has shown in fighting back from their terrible tragedy.”
In 2010, Tilson teamed up with Operation Finally Home and the Texas Sentinels’ Foundation to build a mortgage-free home for the De Leon family. Sgt. De Leon joined the Army after eight years on the police force in Puerto Rico. On his fourth deployment to Afghanistan in 2004, his Humvee ran over an anti-tank mine and he lost his right leg and severely injured his left leg. After a long recovery, he dedicated himself to raising awareness and inspiring other wounded veterans. Tilson was honored to build a home for this dedicated serviceman and his family.