Rose Petals and Parachutes: PulteGroup Honors Fallen Navy Veteran's Family with New Home on 9/11

Rose petals drifted from the sky, gently falling over a new home in Wendell, N.C., on September 11, 2024, a poignant military tribute traditionally reserved for fallen members of the aviation field. This touching scene added to an extraordinary day as PulteGroup's Raleigh Division and the Built to Honor program unveiled a mortgage-free home to Paige Radon and her son Jayden, the family of late U.S. Navy Petty Officer Russell Blake, an air traffic controller who lost his life during service.

As the nation paused to remember the events of 9/11, the air was filled with a mix of solemnity and gratitude. A helicopter showered the rose petals, symbolizing the aviation community's respect for a fallen hero. Meanwhile, a parachute team made a dramatic entrance, skydiving to deliver the house keys directly to young Jayden.

The American Bombshells, a patriotic singing group, provided a stirring musical backdrop to the day's events. A custom-wrapped Tesla truck, designed to replicate a WWII-era plane, added a unique touch. This special vehicle honored the grandfather of a volunteer from a partnering non-profit, highlighting the event's commitment to recognizing military service across generations.

Inside the home, Jayden discovered various heartwarming surprises from the Raleigh division. Knowing his growing passion for fishing-a hobby he's been pursuing with his grandfather-they decorated Jayden's room with an array of fishing gear, lures, and equipment. In a touching tribute to Jayden's father, the team also created a secret door under the stairs that opened to a comfortable nook. This special space featured Navy airplanes on the ceiling and walls, along with cherished Navy items, providing a personal space for Jayden to remember and honor his father's service. These personal touches exemplify PulteGroup's commitment to not just building houses but creating homes filled with meaning and memories.

Mikkel Thompson, VP of Construction Operations for PulteGroup's Raleigh division and an Army veteran, said, "There is no greater honor for us than helping military families by doing what we do best: building a place for them to call home."