Community Gathered to Write Inspirational Notes of Love on Framing of Mortgage-Free Home for Military Veteran Tuesday

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX – The local community gathered Tuesday (June 11) at the homesite of U.S. Army Sergeant Roland Sengstock to write inspirational words of support and encouragement on the studs of his unfinished home in The Woodland Hills®. Operation FINALLY HOME along with Century Communities, The Howard Hughes Corporation®, Greater Houston Builders Association (GHBA) and the Houston Texans have partnered to build the mortgage-free home for the military veteran and his family. Roland and his family were on hand to read the Notes of Love left by their new community.

The Sengstocks were surprised with the news they were receiving a mortgage-free home during “The Last Fan Standing” contest at a Houston Texans game last December. Ultimately, Roland’s seat number was selected, and he was invited to the field to reveal his prize – a custom-built, mortgage-free home from Operation FINALLY HOME (see video here). Supporters gathered to break ground on the home in March. Tuesday, with the studs of the home in place, the community wrote notes of support for Roland and his family. The messages will remain as drywall is installed, so the family will feel the support of their community each time they enter their home.

“We’re humbled and honored to partner with so many supporters to build this home for the Sengstock family,” said Heath Melton, Senior Vice-President, MPC Residential with The Howard Hughes Corporation. “Roland is a true representation of patriotism and selflessness, and we’re ecstatic to welcome him to The Woodland Hills, our newest community.”

While deployed to Iraq, Roland took on Quick Reaction Force (QRF) duties. His unit became the most movable unit in a warzone since the Vietnam war, and he spent his deployment searching Iraq in pursuit of combat. He experienced trauma when a 500-pound bomb knocked him unconscious and a helicopter crashed in a nearby camp. Roland was redeployed in 2007 to Kunar Province in Afghanistan, stationed in “the worst place on earth,” coined by TIME Magazine for its notoriety as “IED Road.” During this deployment, Roland experienced countless firefights and gruesome missions resulting in combat stress.

“Roland’s service to our country is a humbling reminder of the sacrifices men and women continue to make to protect our freedoms,” said Rusty Carroll, Operation FINALLY HOME Executive Director. “We’re honored to provide a small thank you for the Sengstock family for their sacrifice.”

When the home is completed, a dedication ceremony will be held for the family to receive their keys and view their completed home for the first time.

About U.S. Army Sgt. Roland Sengstock
U.S. Army SGT Roland Sengstock spent his early years in Wisconsin and then moved to a Native American reservation in Arizona and attended multiple schools. Following high school graduation, he earned his electrical wire diploma and then entered the military based in Fort Benning, Georgia in 2002.

Following basic training, Sengstock moved to the main base in Oahu, Hawaii, and within a year, was deployed to Iraq, where he took on Quick Reaction Force (QRF) duties. His unit became the most movable unit in a warzone since the Vietnam war, and he spent his deployment searching Iraq in pursuit of combat. He experienced trauma when a 500-pound bomb knocked him unconscious and a helicopter crashed in a nearby camp. Sengstock was redeployed in 2007 to Kunar Province in Afghanistan, stationed in “the worst place on earth,” coined by TIME Magazine for its notoriety as “IED Road.” During this deployment, Sengstock experienced countless firefights and gruesome missions resulting in combat stress.

During back to back 15-month deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan as an Infantry grunt on the front lines, battle fatigue set in. Sengstock suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress, Traumatic Brain Injury, degenerative disc disease, facial disfigurement, allergies and migraines. For his admirable service, Sengstock received awards including a Combat Infantry Badge, two Navy and Marine Achievement Medals, NATO Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal and more.

After eight years of service, Sengstock was honorably discharged and resides in Mesa, Arizona. He works as a Security Guard Officer and helps veterans from all wars at the Mesa Vet Center. In addition, Sengstock gained an associate degree from Mesa Community College and is pursuing a Computer Science Degree.

When stationed in Hawaii, he met and married his wife, Anne, who helped him transition to civilian life. Together, they have three children, and they are looking forward to being closer to family in Houston, Texas.

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