Two military veterans and their families received life-changing news ahead of Veterans Day when Lennar and Operation Finally Home surprised them with the gift of new homes.
U.S. Army Specialist Jordan Taylor and U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Kevin Gallmeier were surprised with the announcement during the inaugural Operation Finally Home Golf Classic reception in Austin, Texas, on Nov. 9.
Neither family knew about the plans beforehand and attended the event as guests of Operation Finally Home.
The announcement followed a live performance by country music artist and Army Reserve soldier Craig Morgan. Operation Finally Home founder Dan Wallrath and Lennar San Antonio division president Brian Barron then revealed that each family would receive a new Lennar home.
The partnership builds on Operation Finally Home’s mission of providing mortgage-free homes and home modifications to wounded, ill, and injured veterans, first responders, and their families.
A New Home for the Gallmeier Family
Gallmeier served in the Marine Corps from 2005 to 2015 after being motivated to enlist by the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. During his service, he deployed twice to Iraq in support of combat operations and later deployed to Okinawa, Japan, as part of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.
Gallmeier sustained a traumatic brain injury following a grenade blast during combat operations in Iraq. He also developed post-traumatic stress disorder and continues to manage PTSD, amongst other conditions, according to Operation Finally Home.
Following his military career, Gallmeier earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in divinity from Biola University and became a pastor. He currently lives in California with Tatiana Zaragoza and their three children, Alyssa, Caspian, and Everett.
A formal groundbreaking for the family’s new Lennar home is scheduled for Nov. 10 in the Freedom Crossing community in Killeen, Texas.
Taylor Family Looks Ahead to New Home
Taylor enlisted in the U.S. Army in August 2004 shortly after graduating from high school in Washington state. He served as an infantryman and filled roles including Squad Automatic Weapon gunner, driver, and team leader.
From June 2006 to September 2007, Taylor deployed to Baghdad in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. His unit lost 21 soldiers during the deployment.
After completing his military service in December 2007, Taylor continued serving his community as a firefighter and emergency medical technician.
A serious back injury in January 2024, combined with the lasting physical and emotional effects of his military service, ultimately forced Taylor to medically retire from firefighting in March 2025.
Following the injury, Taylor and his wife, Aylynn, and their four children faced financial uncertainty and eventually sold their home and moved in with relatives. The family’s new Lennar home will provide a fresh start. A groundbreaking for the Taylor residence is slated in December.
