ABOUT U.S. ARMY SERGEANT FIRST CLASS JOHN GOUDIE

U.S. Army Sergeant First Class John Goudie enlisted in the military because he wanted to follow his family’s long legacy of military service. He would rise to join the elite 7th Special Forces Group, undertaking the most dangerous missions in hostile territories.

While on a combat mission in Afghanistan, SFC Goudie was shot several times at point blank range by an Afghan Special Forces Soldier. He suffered injuries to his shoulders and chest resulting in a shoulder replacement, and the eventual loss of his left leg to amputation. Even after receiving those injuries, he deployed twice more to Afghanistan in 2015 and 2016 on his prosthetic.

His injuries resulted in the amputation of his left leg, a humerus replacement, internal wounds, loss of muscle tissue, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and PTSD.

For his service to his country, Sergeant First Class Goudie is the recipient of the Purple Heart, Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/ Campaign Star, Bronze Star Medal (2x), Army Commendation medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (2x), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Professional Development Ribbon (3x), Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal (2x), Special Forces Tab, Parachutist Badge and the Expert Marksmanship Badge.

HOLIDAY BUILDERS & BUILDING HOMES FOR HEROES

On October 2, 2021, we invited the public to the Gifting Ceremony for the home built for Army First Class Sergeant John Goudie, his wife Kristi and their family. The ceremony took place at the couple’s new home in Freeport, Florida located in Windswept Estates. The ceremony was attended by officials from Building Homes for Heroes, Holiday Builders, members of the community, and The Goudie Family.

Holiday Builders worked together with Building Homes for Heroes, a non-profit organization. “Building Homes for Heroes® is determined and devoted to bringing renewed hope to our nation’s injured veterans. The organization builds or modifies homes, and gifts them, mortgage-free, to injured veterans and their families, while providing support services to enable them to build better and brighter lives and reach new heights. It’s truly an honor to serve the men and women who have courageously served and sacrificed for our country.” 

In May we held a ground-breaking ceremony for the Goudie family. The event was ceremonial as work had already begun on the new home. The celebration allowed Holiday Builders and Building Homes for Heroes team members to meet with the Goudie’s and residents of Windswept Estates. See the videos below, from the ground-breaking ceremony with staff interviews to the final gifting to the Goudie family.

THANK YOU TO THE SPONSORS!