Our Story

Born from compassion, driven by purpose, and sustained by the belief that every veteran deserves a second chance at the American Dream

Building Stronger Veterans (BSV) was founded on the belief that rebuilding homes can help rebuild lives. The organization began not in a boardroom, but through lived experience—when Founder Adam Arriero recognized the urgent need for stability, purpose, and opportunity among veterans facing life transitions and adversity.

Through his work in construction, Adam saw firsthand how many veterans struggled to find meaningful employment and a sense of belonging after service. This insight led to his creation of Veteran Home Builders, a mission-driven construction company that provides high-quality residential work while hiring, training, and supporting veterans. Ten percent of every project is reinvested into veteran-focused assistance programs.

From this initiative, Building Stronger Veterans was born, a nonprofit organization with a broader mission: to equip veterans with the tools, training, and community they need to rebuild their lives from the ground up.

The organization focuses on long-term stability through workforce development, mentorship, and direct support services—ensuring that no veteran faces their challenges alone.”

The Heart of Our Mission

At Building Stronger Veterans we believe serving those who served us isn’t a duty—it’s an honor. Every veteran has a story, and behind each one is a desire for stability, purpose, and hope.

We provide pathways to rebuild lives through transitional housing, employment, training, and mental health support—creating a community that stands alongside veterans every step of the way.

With every home built, job completed, and life restored, we’re not just constructing structures—we’re building stronger veterans and stronger communities.”

We rebuild lives, restore dignity, and reignite the sense of purpose that military service first sparked in each of our heroes.
From the Army sergeant battling PTSD, to the Navy veteran on the brink of homelessness, from the Air Force crew chief searching for new skills, to the Marine striving for meaningful work, we see them not as they are today, but as the leaders, neighbors, and role models they can become.

Meet The Team

Adam Arriero

Founder & CEO

Adam Arriero is a veteran, a father, and someone who knows firsthand what it means to hit rock bottom and rebuild one step at a time. Building Stronger Veterans wasn’t born from a business plan. It arose out of one of the most challenging seasons of his life.

In 2017, medical issues forced Adam to leave his job as a correctional officer. At the same time, he and his wife realized their children needed someone at home more consistently. Life changed overnight, and Adam was suddenly faced with uncertainty about his health, his role, and his future.

Two years later, he went through a difficult divorce that pushed him to confront not only his own struggles, but also the reality that he needed a way to support his family while having the flexibility to be present for his kids. It was a moment when everything felt like it was falling apart, and yet it became the catalyst for rebuilding his life with purpose.

Adam picked up his tools and began taking construction jobs. The work was humble, but honest. And through it, something unexpected happened: he began connecting with other veterans who were fighting their own battles. Men and women searching for stability, purpose, and someone who genuinely believed in them. Their stories mirrored his own.

That’s when an idea took root:
Rebuilding homes and rebuilding lives could go hand in hand.

What started as Merica Construction eventually evolved into Veteran Home Builders. A mission-first company committed to hiring veterans and giving back to the cause. That mission continued to grow until Adam officially founded Building Stronger Veterans, a nonprofit dedicated to creating real, long-term change for those who have served.

Today, Veteran Home Builders (VHB) and Building Stronger Veterans (BSV) operate as a unified ecosystem. Together they are building homes, building skills, building confidence, and building futures. The work isn’t always easy, and the path hasn’t always been perfect, but it’s real. And it’s making an impact.

Adam’s story isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about refusing to give up. It’s about turning personal hardship into hope for others. And it’s about ensuring that no veteran has to face their battles alone.

Because when you rebuild with purpose, you don’t just build homes...
you build stronger veterans, stronger families, and stronger communities.

Matt Lyons

Co-Founder & Director of Development

Co-Founder and Director of Development Matthew Lyons brings deep passion, drive, and a lifetime of public-service values to the mission of Building Stronger Veterans. A son of a Submariner and grandson of a Navy Seaman, with family who served in all major U.S wars including WWII and for the Union in the Civil War, service to this Nation is woven into his DNA.

Though Matt did not serve in the U.S. military himself, he has dedicated more than 11 years to Corrections protecting his community and mentoring at-risk youth. He continues to serve today as a Correctional Officer. His background has taught him teamwork, accountability, and what it means to show up for people in their hardest moments. In 2024, Matt joined the Courageous Survival Peer Support Team, where he supports individuals navigating mental health challenges.

When he isn’t grinding for BSV, Matt enjoys time with his wife, kids, and dogs. He loves hunting, camping, concerts, and serving his community. Above all, Matt is a family man, a proud American, and a fierce advocate for the Veterans BSV is committed to uplifting.

“Between my family and close friends who have served this great Nation, it is my personal obligation and responsibility to give my all to BSV and the Veterans we serve.” — Matt

Virginia Holmgren

Director of Health & Wellness

Dr. Holmgren serves as the Director of Health and Wellness at Building Stronger Veterans, bringing over two decades of military and clinical leadership experience to the organization’s mission of supporting veterans in all aspects of their well-being.

A Doctor of Nursing Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health from Idaho State University, she combines advanced clinical expertise with a deep understanding of the unique mental health challenges facing service members past and present.

Currently a Chief Master Sergeant and Senior Enlisted Leader in the Idaho Air National Guard, a combat veteran, and a Registered Respiratory Therapist with extensive experience in Critical Care Air Transport, she has built a distinguished 23-year career serving both in uniform and in health care.

Known for her exceptional interpersonal, leadership, and program management skills, she is passionate about teaching, mentoring, and building accessible, effective mental health resources for Idaho’s veteran community. Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to service, and resilience. As she steps into retirement this year, she is making her new purpose serving her fellow brothers and sisters in need through Building Stronger Veterans.

Amy Lynn

Treasurer

Amy Lynn serves on the board of Building Stronger Veterans out of a deep commitment to service, community, and long term impact. As a mother to 10 children, entrepreneur, and community advocate, Amy believes strongly that those who have served our country deserve more than temporary solutions. They deserve stability, dignity, and support systems that help them rebuild strong, purpose filled lives.

Amy brings a background in business development, marketing strategy, fundraising, and community engagement to the organization. She is especially passionate about creating sustainable programs that not only address immediate needs, but also invest in veterans’ futures through housing, resources, and meaningful connection.

Her role on the board reflects her belief that service doesn’t require a uniform, it requires action. Amy is honored to support Building Stronger Veterans’ mission and to help amplify the voices and needs of veterans through strategic growth, storytelling, and community support.