Operation Fresh Start: How a Painting, a Purpose, and a Town Came Together to Help One of Our Own 🎖️🏡

Some stories start with a blueprint. This one started with a promise — that no veteran should be left behind.

A few months ago, our team at Valor Development learned about an elderly veteran couple living in Custer County under conditions no one should have to endure — let alone someone who once wore the uniform for this country. Their home was failing. Roof leaks. No insulation. No running water. A structure barely standing against the elements. And winter was coming fast.

https://wetmountaintribune.com/2025/10/14/operation-fresh-start-breaks-ground-on-home-for-local-veteran-before-winter-sets-in-donations-still-welcome-to-complete-project/

That’s when Operation Fresh Start was born — a grassroots mission to build them a safe, dry, dignified home at no cost to them. Just materials, hard work, and heart. The response from our community? Humbling.

Operation Fresh Start Valor Developemnt (2025)

Neighbors reached out. Contractors offered tools. Volunteers stepped up. And then something extraordinary happened.

“Flight of Valor” — One Painting. One Purpose. One Powerful Gift. 🎨🕊️

Enter Melody DeBenedictis, a local Western artist known not just for her talent, but for her spirit. Melody has a deep connection to both veterans and the land, and when she heard about Operation Fresh Start, she didn’t hesitate. She offered up one of her original works — Flight of Valor — as a donation to help raise funds.

The painting is more than just brushstrokes on canvas. It’s a symbol. An eagle in flight, strong and unbroken, soaring over the high plains. A reminder of freedom, resilience, and grace — values we hold close here in Custer County.

And when it sold to a generous private donor, 100% of the $3,600 went directly to the cause.

When it sold, the donor quietly asked to remain anonymous. No headlines. No recognition. Just a note of thanks for the opportunity to help — 100% of the $3,600 raised go directly toward building the home. In a world that often shouts, this act whispered something far more powerful: that generosity doesn’t need credit to make a difference.

A Personal Message from Donor

“I am so blessed to be able to have the beautiful “Flight of Valor” painting by Melody DeBenedictis is now hanging on the wall above the fireplace in my bedroom.  Not only is it an extraordinary work of art that perfectly goes with the color palate of my home, it is an awesome reminder to me of what the majestic Eagle represents —strength, independence, survivorship, boldness, faithfulness and determination—the characteristics as also evidenced in Melody’s life, in Valor Development’s and the community’ generous outreach and the reasons why the Eagle was chosen to be the symbol of our great nation.”

“Most of all though, it is a reminder to me of to whom I need to go every day for renewal and strength as set out in one of my very favorite scripture verses:Isaiah 40:31 “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

That donation became a turning point. More importantly, it reminded us why we do what we do: because in the end, building isn’t just about structures. It’s about people.

Built by Community. Led by Valor. 💪🇺🇸

As a service-disabled owned business, this one hits close to home.

Our owner, Warren Gold, is a combat veteran and served in the US Army. — and everything we build carries that same mission-driven mindset. We believe in showing up, standing strong, and doing what’s right. No shortcuts. No excuses.

Operation Fresh Start isn’t just a side project — it’s a reflection of what we believe construction should be: local, honest, and rooted in service. This is the kind of work that doesn’t make the evening news but absolutely should. Because while the world spins fast, small-town America is still showing up — hammer in hand, ready to build a better future.

To everyone who donated, shared, prayed, volunteered, or showed up in any way — thank you. Your kindness is literally changing lives. Warren Gold, CEO Valor Develops

What’s Next? We Keep Building. And We Invite You to Join Us. 🛠️🏠

Construction is underway.

Want to swing a hammer? Great.

Prefer to donate to the mission? That works too.

📞 Call or text (719) 371-1443

📩 Or email us at hq@valordevelops.com

Every bit helps. Every person matters.

We’re building more than just a shelter.

We’re building hope — one board, one beam, and one act of kindness at a time.