The White Family

U.S. Army Sgt. Matthew White was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. He was highly active in athletics for as long as he can remember, and loved playing basketball and football in high school. White graduated in June 2007 and immediately enrolled in the United States Army. After completing basic training, Advanced Individual Training and Airborne school, White was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

While serving with the 82nd Airborne, White deployed twice to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. On May 8, 2010, while on a dismounted foot patrol with his squad in one of the most volatile areas in Afghanistan, White was struck by an improvised explosive devise (IED). As a result of the attack, White and several others in his company were seriously injured and three were killed. Despite his injuries, White maintained his composure and served as a leader and role model for his fellow comrades.  Immediately following the blast, he was evacuated to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. After many surgeries, his right leg was amputated below the knee.

After the amputation, White started the long road to recovery at Walter Reed. He suffered many complications including reoccurring bone infections and skin breakdown on the residual limb. However, through uplifting phone calls, visits, letters and texts from friends and family, he was motivated to fight through the difficult recovery process and complete rehab. White also found solace through sports, eventually trying new things like scuba diving, snowboarding and running. Since his time at Walter Reed, he’s completed several marathons, triathlons and obstacle races, including the grueling Tough Mudder Mud Run.  

During his years of service, White received several accolades including a Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge and Parachutist Badge. White is currently in his final year of college at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., pursuing a degree in interdisciplinary studies with a focus on healthcare management. He works full-time at the Veterans Administration (VA), working on the Board of Veteran’s Appeal in the Freedom of Information Act (FIOA) office. Upon graduation, White plans to transition into a role that involves healthcare and veteran access within the VA healthcare system.

Operation FINALLY HOME and PulteGroup’s Built to Honor program are proud to come together to provide Matthew White with a townhome to call his own in Dumfries, Virginia