Hillwood Communities is partnering with David Weekley Homes and Building Homes for Heroes, Inc. (BHH) to deliver a new mortgage-free home for U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman Gabriel George in Pomona, a master-planned community in Manvel, Texas.
Recently, Hillwood hosted a Notes of Love event, a meaningful opportunity for trade partners, contractors, vendors, donors, and community members to come together and share heartfelt messages of gratitude and encouragement. Guests wrote personal notes and well-wishes for Gabriel as he prepares for this exciting new chapter, helping create a warm welcome long before move-in day.
“It won’t be long before we celebrate the completion of this home and welcome Gabriel into our community,” said Lori Evans, marketing manager for Hillwood Communities. “It’s been such an honor and pleasure being a part of this.”
Building Homes for Heroes, founded in 2006, is a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting wounded veterans and their families through life-changing homeownership opportunities. This year alone, BHH anticipates completing work on more than 30 homes across the country.
Honoring Service Through Community Support
Gabriel George joined the U.S. Navy in July 2004 after graduating high school, driven by a desire to serve his country and push himself through new experiences. During his military career, he served aboard the USS Carney (DDG 64) and deployed overseas, including time at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where he supported mission-critical operations.
In April 2008, while preparing to train and deploy with the Marines, George was involved in a devastating vehicle accident that nearly cost him his life. He suffered severe injuries, including collapsed lungs, broken ribs, and a spinal cord injury, spending weeks on a ventilator and in an induced coma. The accident also caused significant nerve damage to his right arm, and he later underwent amputation.
After nearly five years of service, he was honorably and medically discharged in April 2009, and he has since received a 100% disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Finding Purpose Through Adaptive Sports
During his recovery, George discovered adaptive sports — a turning point that helped reignite his confidence and sense of purpose. He became active in para-archery, sailing, golf, and seated volleyball, and today he is a certified pickleball instructor and serves as the Director of Pickleball at Military Adaptive Court Sports (MACS).
Known as the “One-Armed Archer,” George competed as part of Team U.S. at the 2020 Invictus Games, participating in archery, swimming, and indoor rowing. He is also featured in the Netflix documentary “Heart of Invictus.” Now a coach and motivational speaker, he continues to inspire others by helping them pursue their goals and discover their own strength through sport and self motivation.
For his service, Corpsman George has received numerous honors, including the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Joint Service Achievement Ribbon, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
As construction continues in Pomona, the Notes of Love event served as a reminder that this home represents more than walls and a roof; it’s a symbol of gratitude made possible by the generosity and teamwork of the homebuilding community.