Army Veteran Gifted Mortgage-Free Home In Naperville Through Hero Program

NAPERVILLE, IL — For U.S. Army veteran Tomee Phetsisouk, stepping inside his new home in Naperville brought a wave of emotion. On Wednesday, he and his family were gifted a mortgage-free, fully furnished house through the Built to Honor program by PulteGroup and the nonprofit Building Homes for Heroes.

A Life-Changing Gift For A Local Veteran

Phetsisouk, who served more than nine years in the Army and was nearly killed during his second deployment to Iraq, could only manage the words, “Oh, my God,” as he walked into the home with his two teenage daughters and his 73-year-old mother. The surprise was more than just a house—it was filled with personal touches, family photos, a stocked pantry, and themed rooms designed for each family member.

“This is just incredible, and I’m so thankful,” Phetsisouk said. “It’s awesome.” His daughters, Taya and Teagan, screamed with joy as they explored their personalized bedrooms, complete with gift cards, presents, and even a PlayStation VR set.

A Community Effort To Honor Service

The veteran first learned about the home in May, during what he believed was an interview for the program. Instead, he was surprised with a groundbreaking event for the very house he would receive. On Wednesday, hundreds of builders, volunteers, and supporters lined Tailshot Road in Naperville as the family arrived, accompanied by an honor guard and emergency vehicles.

“They went above and beyond,” Phetsisouk said after seeing the inside of the house. “I don’t know if it’s hit me yet that I’ll sleep in my bed for the first time and wake up knowing that it’s actually home.”

A Family’s New Beginning

The four-bedroom home was crafted to meet the family’s specific needs. It includes a first-floor master suite for his mother, a loft theater room decorated with their favorite “Star Wars” art, and a custom “Phetsisouk Family Theater” sign. Every detail reflected the family’s interests, offering comfort and stability after years of struggle.

His daughters will complete the school year in St. Charles before transferring to schools closer to their new Naperville home. “What they did for us was just pure generosity,” said Taya. “It means a lot to me.”

Honoring A Veteran’s Sacrifice

An Elgin native and graduate of Elgin High School, Phetsisouk was inspired to enlist after the Sept. 11 attacks. He deployed twice to Iraq, suffering severe injuries from an IED blast that left him with head trauma, shrapnel wounds, and ongoing conditions including PTSD and hearing loss. Despite his injuries, he earned multiple honors, including the Army Commendation Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, and Iraq Campaign Medal with four Campaign Stars.

Medically retired in 2012, he now views this new home as a chance to move forward. “Now I get to watch my girls grow,” he said. “I was given a second chance, and I’m gonna make the best of it. I’m going to live for the guys I lost.”

This gift marks not just a fresh chapter for Phetsisouk and his family, but also a reminder of the community’s gratitude for the sacrifices made by local veterans.

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