On Saturday, November 9, 2024, Operation Finally Home, in collaboration with Garvey Homes, the Dallas Builders Association, the City of Irving, and NEC Corporation of America, proudly dedicated a custom-built, mortgage-free home to U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Samasoni Lelea and his family. The new home, located at 304 S. Britain Rd in Irving, marks a special milestone for both the veteran and the community.
Sergeant Lelea, originally from the village of Onenoa in American Samoa, served in the U.S. Army for over 22 years. Throughout his career, he was deployed to Iraq three times and sustained severe injuries, including traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other physical wounds following two separate attacks on his vehicle. Despite these injuries, Lelea remained on active duty until his medical retirement in February 2020.
The dedication ceremony was a celebration of both Lelea’s service and the community’s commitment to honoring veterans. This is the third time the City of Irving has donated property to Operation Finally Home, further showcasing the city’s dedication to supporting those who have served. The custom-built home was provided in recognition of Lelea’s sacrifices, with the goal of offering a fresh start for the Lelea family.
During the ceremony, representatives from the City of Irving highlighted the importance of community and neighborly support, noting that the Lelea family’s new home symbolizes the spirit of unity and appreciation for military service.
Lelea, who has been awarded numerous military honors, including a Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts, expressed his gratitude for the home and the support of his new community in Irving. After his time at Fort Hood, Lelea promised his family that they would return to Texas one day. With the support of Operation Finally Home and its partners, he is now fulfilling that promise.
