The Gonzales Family

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant William Gonzales III

 U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant William Gonzales III began his 12-year journey in the United States military in 1999.

During his time in service, Gonzales was deployed to Kosovo, Iraq, the Mediterranean Sea and Afghanistan. While deployed to Afghanistan in 2011, on a mission with the battalion’s advisory team, Gonzales’ vehicle hit an improved explosive device (IED). The incident resulted in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and mild cognitive disorder with frequent migraines. Shortly after the accident, after serving out his deployment and returning to the United States, Gonzales decided to leave the Marine Corps, and was honorably discharged in early 2012.

Gonzales rose through the ranks quickly during his time as a U.S. Marine and received honors along the way. His accolades include a Marine Good Conduct Medal with three Bronze Stars, a Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal, a Combat Action Ribbon, an Afghanistan Campaign Medal and a Pistol Qualification Badge (Marksman), among other awards.

Gonzales, his wife and their three daughters currently reside in Jacksonville, North Carolina. As a family, the Gonzales enjoy visiting museums and cooking together.

The Gonzales’ second daughter was diagnosed with spina bifida and receives frequent treatments at Duke University. The family hopes to move to Charlotte, North Carolina, to be closer to university medical facilities and Charlotte-area VA Clinics.

Operation FINALLY along with Lennar are thrilled to provide the Gonzales family with a new, mortgage-free home in Millbridge located in Waxhaw, North Carolina.