Ninth Operation Finally Home Project—A Mortgage-Free Home for the Lelea Family— Now Underway
View a photo gallery of the surprise reveal and groundbreaking.
Operation Finally Home, the Dallas Builders Association and Garvey Homes, along with the City of Irving and NEC, surprised U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Samasoni Lelea and his family with the news they are receiving a new mortgage-free home during a special groundbreaking ceremony Aug. 30.
Lelea is a two-time Purple Heart recipient who served his country for 20-plus years including three active duty deployments to Iraq.
The announcement came as a complete surprise to Samsoni Lelea and his wife, Anavale, and their family, who were escorted to the homesite by the City of Irving Police Department and the Patriot Guard Riders.
This is the ninth home the Dallas BA has been a part of and the third house being constructed in Irving. By council vote, the City of Irving has donated four lots to Operation Finally Home for first responders and U.S. military veterans. Representatives of Operation Finally Home, Garvey Homes, the Dallas BA, NEC and the City of Irving—along with trades, suppliers and members of the community—all joined together to celebrate with the Lelea family. Previous OPFH project recipients Major Eric King, U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman Third Class Luisa Velez and U.S. Marine Corp Sargent Bob Aiken also attended.
U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Samasoni Lelea is an American Samoa native, from the far eastern village of 
Onenoa. His passion and desire to make a difference in the world and provide freedom to others led him to enlist in the United States military and protect our country for over 22 years.
Lelea was deployed to Iraq three times during active duty. During his second deployment, he worked as a platoon sergeant and traveled Iraq in an unarmored Humvee. In 2006, Lelea’s truck was hit by an improvised explosive device (IED), and he was thrown about the inside of the vehicle. His gunner sustained shrapnel in his face, and their medic was injured. Lelea sustained a concussion and injured his legs and back. Despite these injuries, Lelea insisted on staying and continuing to fight.
The following year, Lelea’s vehicle was hit with an explosively formed penetrator (EFP). His vehicle exploded, caught fire and rolled down the street. Despite his efforts, Lelea couldn’t stop the vehicle. After his vehicle came to a halt, Lelea attempted to assess the situation but passed out and lost all consciousness due to his injuries, waking up later in the hospital. This incident resulted in traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obstructive sleep apnea, as well as a labral tear in his right shoulder. In spite of multiple injuries, he stayed on active duty as long as he possibly could, but medically retired in February 2020.
For nearly 25 years of military service, Lelea was recognized with a Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts, Meritorious service medal, army commendation medal 3rd award, joint service achievement medal, army achievement medal 2nd award, and many more awards and accolades.
Lelea currently lives with his wife and children in Alaska. After he was stationed at Ft. Hood, he promised his family they would return to Texas one day. As a family, the Leleas enjoy barbequing, camping and fishing together.
Garvey Homes volunteered to lead the construction of this home a few short months ago. During this time, they have submitted and received approval of a budget, managed the donations and had plans drawn to incorporate the needs of Sgt. Lelea.
The home consists of four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a two-car garage, and is 2,242 square feet. Special
considerations include a smooth transition from the drive to the garage, 36-inch interior & exterior doors, a roll-in shower and many other ADA features.
The next steps forward will include a Notes of Love event and the home dedication. Stay tuned for announcements through Association communications.
In the meantime, the Association is accepting material, services and monetary donations for Project #9.
If you are interested in donating to this project, please contact Sheena Beaver at sheena.beaver@dallasbuilders.com or 214-615-3881.