Our 433rd Home in Dallas, Texas! September 17, 2025
Building Homes for Heroes, together with its valued partners Hillwood Communities and Highland Homes, proudly presented a mortgage-free home to Retired U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major Gretchen Evans and her husband, Captain Bob D. Evans, Chaplain, U.S. Navy (Ret.) in Argyle, Texas, just outside of Dallas. With the support of so many wonderful partners—including Ross Perot Jr., Lowe’s, SAIC, Amazon Web Services, and many others—this milestone also marked the 433rd home Building Homes for Heroes has proudly gifted since its inception.
The homecoming event on September 11 was both meaningful and uplifting. While the date carries profound significance marking the 24th anniversary of 911, the ceremony was filled with unity, celebration, and hope. Hundreds of students from Argyle High School joined the occasion, including the Argyle Eagles football team, the Majestics dance team, the Eagles cheerleaders, and the Argyle High School band. Their presence only served to magnify the energy and excitement of the day.
As the ceremony proceeded, two parachuters descended from the sky and landed in the center of the celebration, hand-delivering Gretchen the keys to her new home. The moment capped a truly patriotic and unforgettable tribute to a true American hero and the community that stands beside her.
Gretchen Evans’ life and career are defined by service and resilience. Over the course of three decades, she rose through the ranks to command more than 30,000 troops in Afghanistan. Her military service was cut short by a life-changing combat injury, yet she transformed that challenge into a mission of inspiration, traveling the world to share her story of leadership, courage, and perseverance.
Her many accolades include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation, and induction into both the U.S. Army Women’s Hall of Fame and the U.S. Veterans Hall of Fame. In 2022, she received the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the ESPYs. Beyond her awards and recognition, Gretchen is admired for her warmth, humor, brilliance, and her deep commitment to her fellow service members and to our nation.
On a day of both reflection and celebration, Gretchen and the Argyle community, reminded everyone that even out of difficult times, hope can rise.
