Welcome Home, Fitz: The Story Behind Hero Home 30
If you ask our team which Garman Difference means the most to them, I’d bet the majority would say Give Back.
On Friday, September 11, 2026, we had the opportunity to live that difference in a really meaningful way as we welcomed U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Demetrious Fitzpatrick, or “Fitz” as his fellow unit members call him, and Geneva home to Allen Park for the dedication of Hero Home 30.
He was injured during a training exercise when a fellow airman became tangled in his parachute and his backup parachute failed to deploy. Demetrious fell roughly 150 feet, fracturing his spine and sustaining injuries that would forever change his life.
There were so many moments from the dedication that will stick with me, but two in particular really stood out.
One came from a fellow service member who spoke about Fitz and who he is as a person, but he also mentioned the joy he felt radiating from our team that day.
I definitely paused when I heard that because joy is something we talk about a lot at Garman Homes. We build houses, yes. But we also believe we have an opportunity to put a little more joy into the world while we’re doing it.
To hear someone outside of our company recognize that same feeling in our team was a really cool moment. It was a great reminder that the things you focus on really do show up in how you serve others.
The other thing that struck me was Demetrious himself.
He was incredibly humble. In fact, he shared that at first he wasn’t sure he was deserving of a gift like this. A good friend reminded him not to block his blessings.
We couldn’t agree more.
Before joining the Air Force, he had a corporate career. He shared the story of sitting down with his mom and sliding an Air Force brochure across the table as he told her about his decision to serve. He chose a path of service and sacrifice, never knowing just how much that decision would ultimately affect his life.
Demetrious, we hope this home gives something back to you.
We hope it is a place for peace. For wellness. For rest. For connection. For laughter. And for whatever comes next.
Hero Home 30 would not have been possible without an incredible group of people who came together to make it happen. A huge thank you to our trade partners, Operation Coming Home, the Home Builders Association of Raleigh-Wake County, Natelli Communities, the United States Veterans Corps, and everyone who gave their time, talent and heart to this home.
Fitz, “thank you” doesn’t feel like enough for your service and sacrifice. But being able to play a part in this next chapter of your journey has been our honor and a privilege.
Welcome home, Fitz and Geneva.
