Love stories don’t have the romantic beginnings of a Hallmark movie, but as the journey unfolds, life is captivating, adventurous, and full of allure. This is true for CPL Matthew Houston and his wife, Theresa. As a recipient of a home through a partnership with The Highlands by Caldwell Communities, Lennar, and Helping a Hero, The Houston’s are proud new members of EMC after a precarious start.
Matthew Houston, hailing from Washington State, was raised with a love of sports and a passion for the outdoors. He often found solace in the woods, either hunting or fishing. Initially, his post-high school plans led him to work as an HVAC technician. While enclosed in a crawl space, installing a heating system, the radio blurted of the attack on America. September 11th changed the course of his life at that moment, and Matthew decided to join the Army and defend his homeland.
His journey began in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, where Matthew trained as a Military Police Officer (MPO). Transitioning to Fort Hood, Texas, he joined the 64th Military Police Company (720th MP BN). On his first day, in the vast company building, he encountered a spirited female soldier named
Theresa. Little did he know, that encounter marked the beginning of a significant chapter in his life. She left quite an impression on him. Theresa’s journey began in Freeport, Pennsylvania, a small town offering limited prospects. After graduating high school, she sought an escape, and found her path in the U.S. Army. Following training also at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, she joined the 2nd Infantry Division in Korea before being stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, with the 64th MP Co… the scene of serendipity.
Theresa and Matthew were assigned to the same platoon and began an unexpected journey, eventually finding themselves amid the trials and bonds of wartime in Iraq. Their story started on March 19th, 2003, as they embarked on a grueling 16-hour drive into Iraq with a convoy. By April 8th, amidst the capture of Baghdad, Matthew celebrated his 21st birthday with Theresa by his side. They continued to push north to dismantle Saddam Hussein’s regime.
In May 2003, their platoon established a base in Samarra, the most perilous area they’d been yet. Amidst daily Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and mortar attacks, the squad earned the Combat Action Badge. Through the chaos, Theresa and Matthew found themselves at odds. Recognizing the need for cohesion, their Platoon Sergeant tasked them with a weeklong mission at a prisoner camp. This experience forged an unbreakable bond. During a last-minute mission, Theresa’s vehicle was hit by an IED. Anxious moments passed for Matthew until her return. Theresa suffered neurological issues and migraines from the blast that she still manages today. However, she was, and continues to be resilient. In those trying times, their connection deepened, setting the stage for a shared journey through the trials of war and, ultimately, life beyond the battlefield.
On November 14th, 2003, their Platoon faced orders to relocate the area due to escalating attacks. Whilst preparing for a Quick Reaction Force (QRF) duty, news of a mortar attack near their perimeter emerged. Frantically, Matthew gathered equipment from the Tent. He rushed to his squad and noticed the 50-caliber machine gun needed to be secured, but an explosion enveloped him. Deafened, blinded, and with a warm sensation pulsing in his leg, Matthew fumbled to respond. A comrade grabbed his troop strap and pulled him to safety, revealing his partially severed leg. He was later evacuated to Tikrit where further procedures ensued.
In December of 2004, Theresa flew to Texas. The reunion cemented their commitment as they navigated the uncertainties that arose from Matthew’s injuries. March 3, 2004, was the end of their unit’s Iraq duty. The Army transferred Matthew to Fort Sam Houston for extensive medical care of his leg. He endured 22 surgeries from November 2003 to December 2004. Despite efforts to salvage it, a staph infection forced an amputation above the knee. This decision was tough, especially with their first child expected in February 2005. In true soldier fashion, three weeks post-amputation, Matthew courageously stood on a prosthetic, holding Cheyenne, his new and first unconditional love.
Less than one year later, on August 15, 2005, Matthew was medically retired as a Corporal, equipped with a robotic leg. Over the next 17 years, their family, which grew by two more children, navigated relocations and life with 100% disability. Their most recent home in Huffman posed mobility challenges which prompted outreach to charities. There had to be a solution. Helping A Hero responded unexpectedly and surprised them with a fully accessible Lennar home during a live TV broadcast on the Great Day Houston morning show with Deborah Duncan.
After visiting just about every community in the surrounding Houston area to no avail, The Highlands by Caldwell Communities in Porter, Texas popped up. As soon as they drove in, everyone became excited. The thought, “This Is Home,” permeated through Matthew’s mind. The Houston’s embraced community living for the first time, finding solace in the natural surroundings of The Highlands by Caldwell Communities. They quickly integrated, forged connections with neighbors and found ways to contribute to the community.
Since 2012, Matthew has volunteered over 20,000 hours for Wounded Heroes Hunting Camp. Going back to his roots, Matthew found his purpose, and is the owner of RAM RODS Custom Fishing Rods with Theresa. Their mission is not just to build exceptional rods, but also give back to the community by supporting fellow veterans in outdoor adventures. His love of helping married his love for the outdoors, and now they’re eager to volunteer and connect with local heroes interested in fishing or hunting. Helping a Hero, Lennar, and The Highlands by Caldwell Communities are all huge impactors of the current life the Houston’s are living, right here in Porter, Texas.
Welcome Home, Houston Family!
"Tell Theresa I love her, and that I'm sorry to my team for getting hurt."