A Tribute to Service: Stories from Our Veteran Team Members

At New Home Co., we are deeply proud to work alongside Veterans who courageously defended our country and the freedoms we cherish. This Veterans Day, we pause to honor and express our gratitude to all who served and to reflect on the sacrifices made in the name of duty. Join us as we hear from NEW HOME’s Veterans on what this day means to them—celebrating the strength, resilience, and dedication of those who have served, and honoring the bonds and memories forged through service.

Read Full Stories From The Veterans of New Home Below:

“I served in the United States Army for 9 years. Veterans Day is an annual reminder of how many men and women in every generation that have chosen to embark on something larger than themselves. Each year I make an effort each year to not only check-in with my Veteran peers, but the soldiers I served with overseas. While on mid-tour leave from Iraq, I met a FDNY lieutenant on a layover in Chicago. For several years after returning from overseas, I spent several 9/11 anniversaries riding with him and FDNY Ladder 32 “Gun Hill Gang” in the Bronx.”

–  Kevin Forader, VP, Land Development, Texas Division

“I served in the United States Army, Infantry for 5 years. Veterans Day reminds me that freedom isn’t free, and we are all very lucky to live in the best country in the world. I usually celebrate Veterans Day by reconnecting with other veterans and remember all of the ones that didn’t make it back home.

I was lucky to be a part of a small U.S. team that led the first Iraqi Army soldiers to take back a portion of Baghdad from U.S. control in 2004 and fight the insurgency. Looking back, it was the craziest thing I’ve ever done in my life, but it was extremely rewarding to be part of a team that overcame so many obstacles and ultimately gave the Iraqi people a chance at democracy.”

–  John Bohnen, Chief Operating Officer, Corporate Division

“I served 5 years in the United States Army building fixed and float bridges. I served during 9/11 and during this time is when I really learned why I was there and why I enlisted. Veterans day is a day to remember the ones who gave their life for the freedoms we have today and the way of life that has been made possible because of their sacrifice. ”

–  Jason Spets, Sr. Site Manager, Texas Division

“I served in the United States Marine Corps for 6 years. Veterans Day stands as a strong reminder of the many courageous individuals who have served alongside me, before me, and after me, highlighting the fact that freedom is never free.”

–  Eric Prudhomme, Director, Sales, Texas Division 

“I served in the U.S Army. I joined right out of high school and served for a total of 5 years, and I was an 11C (Infantry mortarman). One of my favorite memories is from a mission where my platoon sergeant and I were selected to head out together. As a young kid, I felt so cool! It was during that mission that my boss and I became best friends, and he’s been a mentor to me ever since.

In the days that followed, we faced some tough challenges, but it was the jokes and laughter we shared that made it bearable. Our energies fueled each other, making the most serious situations better. If anyone’s heard my laugh, you know I have a real life “HEHEHE”. We joked that the enemy could track us down just by following the sound of laughter.

SSG Jimenez, or “Jimmy,” and I made the best of it. We set up a little shack that became the hangout spot for everyone, even if it wasn’t in the best location. Our peers were definitely jealous when we made friends with the village cook, Usmanni Muhammad, and his son. While our peers were stuck with MREs, Jimmy and I paid just $8 and traded a pair of sunglasses, and in return, Usmanni fed us three times a day for three days! We enjoyed goat, fried rice, veggies, french fries, beef, chicken, and some amazing flatbread. Jimmy and I would often say, “Just two peasants eating like kings,” while cheered with our half-sized Rip-It energy drinks.”

–  Mike Gonzalez, Assistant Site Manager, Southern California Division

“Veterans day for me is a day to honor the men and women that have served, that are currently serving and the ones that have answered their nations calling and did not return home. On this day we usually get together with friends and do a team CrossFit workout and then BBQ in the afternoon. My experience in the service was with the United States Marine Corps for four years and during that time I was in a Unit called FAST Co. It was a great experience both physically and as a personal building block. Some of my favorite memories are celebrating the Marine Corps Birthday and attending the Marine Corps Ball.”

–  Dave Courtney, Construction Manager, Northern California Division

We’re proud to honor not only our veteran team members but also their family members who have served our country. We celebrate their sacrifices and dedication to preserving our liberty and freedom.