Groundbreaking for Injured Iraq War Veteran! March 17, 2025

Army Sergeant David Halona, who deployed to Iraq three times and whose family history of service dates back to the Navajo Code Talkers in World War II, was celebrated with a groundbreaking ceremony in Albuquerque, New Mexico on March 5 at the site of his future home.

In partnership with Pulte, the home will be constructed and completed later this year for the Halona family. As a gunner for convoy security, Sergeant Halona served his country for 12 years and during that time his unit was constantly exposed to life-threatening circumstances, including exposure to IEDs, small arms fire and enemy combat. He suffers from a traumatic brain injury, PTSD, scarring in his right eye, vision loss, as well as body numbness and seizures. The highly decorated veteran is a descendant of the Navajo Code Talkers, a group of Native American Marines who developed and used a secret code based on the Navajo language during World War II. The code played a crucial role in U.S. military operations and contributed significantly to American victories.

It was a beautiful day in Albuquerque as we celebrated the future home for a deserving veteran!

Take a look at it on 7 News here: KOAT Action 7 News at 5 pm