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Cypress: U.S. Army Vet and family to receive key to their new mortgage-free Perry Home 

by Alsha Khan

U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Stephen Netzley and his daughter will receive the keys to their brand new mortgage-free Perry home in the master-planned community of Bridgeland in Cypress this Friday, July 9, according to a press release.

Operation FINALLY HOME partnered with The Howard Hughes Corporation (HHC), Perry Homes, Houston Texans and Greater Houston Builders Association (GHBA) to build the home. The family will be welcomed by representatives, as well as Houston Texans defensive lineman Jacob Martin. 

Gallery Furniture founder “Mattress Mack” donated most of the furniture for the home, and H-E-B is stocking the pantry and refrigerator with groceries. 

Based in New Braunfels, Operation FINALLY HOME provides mortgage-free homes and home modifications to wounded, ill and injured military veterans, first responders and widows of the fallen and their families in honor of their service and sacrifice.

When meeting with Operation FINALLY HOME’s vice president of project management in November to see if he’d even qualify for the program, Netzley and his daughter were approached by decorated vehicles escorted by the Southeast Texas Patriot Guard Riders. Representatives from HHC, Perry Homes and the Houston Texans were there to surprise Netzley and his daughter with the news that they’d be receiving the new home. A groundbreaking ceremony was held in February, and community members left inspiring notes on the studs of the new home in April. 

Sergeant Netzley joined the military in 2005 in hopes of building a better future for himself. Unfortunately, tragedy struck in May 2007 when Netzley experienced what he calls “the most traumatic day of his life.” While on a mission to escort Afghan soldiers in Afghanistan, Netzley’s unit was ambushed. Sadly, they lost around 18 Afghan soldiers and several American soldiers were left critically injured. Ever since that day, Netzley has suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

Netzley was left with chronic back pain from his service-related injuries and was assigned to the Wounded Warrior unit, where he helped advocate for other single soldiers. He became active in the community and hosted several morale-building events for local veterans. 

After being medically discharged from service, Netzley pursued academics and worked hard to graduate Magna Cum Laude from the University of Houston. 

Netzley went on to receive an Army’s Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Combat Action Badge and a Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) Service Medal, among other accolades. 

Netzley moved back to Texas recently with his daughter so they could be closer to family. He is currently enrolled in college and plans to earn a degree in social work to continue working with other veterans. 

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