Texas Builder, Mar/Apr 2016

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Lonestar Newsmakers
The Dallas BA launched its fourth
Operation FINALLY HOME by
surprising U.S. Army Staff Sergeant
James Sackett and his family during
a Mavericks game with the news
that they will be the recipients of a
mortgage-free custom home.
Sackett was deployed twice to
Iraq and once to Kuwait and was
awarded the Purple Heart. He
has shrapnel in his leg and suffers
back issues, brain injury, hearing
loss, and PTSD. He is currently
a detention intake officer at the
Kaufman County Sheriff 's Office.
"We are honored to give back to a
veteran who is willing to sacrifice his
life for our freedom," said Michael
Turner of Classic Urban Homes.
“Regardless of what happens, they’ve
got a roof over their heads,” said Dan
Wallrath, president and founder of
Operation FINALLY HOME.
“Our partnership with Operation
FINALLY HOME is aimed at giving
back to those who have given
so much,” said Dallas BA EO
Phil Crone.
Dallas BA Surprises Sergeant Sackett at a Dallas Mavericks Game!
Greater Brazos Valley Honored at NAHB GBVBA's First Brick & Mortar Awards
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. James Sackett and his family learn at a
Dallas Mavericks game that they will receive a custom built,
mortgage-free home.
At January’s NAHB Remodeler’s Council meeting in Las Vegas, the
Greater Brazos Valley Builders Association received a Founding
Achievement plaque for the formation of their Remodeler’s Council.
Michael Schaefer, Past President, and Rose Selman, Executive
Officer, accepted the award, noting the support of Dan Bawden,
NAHB Remodeler 2nd Vice Chair, and Bill Shaw, NAHB Remodeler's
Leadership Development Chairman.
The Greater Brazos Valley BA honored the first Brick & Mortar
Award recipients at their January Awards & Installation Ceremony.
The award was developed to annually recognize members who have
given tirelessly for the benefit of the association through many years
of service. The 2015 Brick & Mortar Award recipients were Charles
Thomas—Charles Thomas Homes, W.A. “Buck” Prewitt, III—Prewitt
Management Company, Steve Arden—Arden Home Construction,
and Victor Drozd—2D Homes.
On January 26, Mayor Sylvester Turner and the Houston City Council recognized retiring Greater Houston BA CEO and Executive Vice President
Toy Wood for her long-standing contribution to Houston’s home building industry. Mayor Turner and city council members presented Toy with a
proclamation highlighting her years of service at the GHBA and leadership in GHBA’s HomeAID Houston. The proclamation also marked January
26, 2016 as “Toy Wood Day.” During the presentation, Toy was joined by GHBA staff, GHBA members and fellow colleagues in the Houston building
and development community. Congratulations Toy!
Houston City Council Proclaimed January 26, 2016 as Toy Wood Day