New Year, New House

Wounded San Antonio soldier saluted with ultimate New Year's surprise

The Spears family, including Garrett in the center, reacts to the news.

Photo courtesy of Operation Finally Home

While participating in combat training in October 2013, U.S. Army Lieutenant Garrett Spears was struck by lightning, stopping his heart and sending him into a coma. As a result of the strike, Spears suffered a traumatic brain injury, causing significant short-term memory loss, and rendering him unable to use his legs.

In the four years since his accident, the San Antonio native has regained some of his mobility thanks to arduous in-patient rehabilitation and the help of his family.

In 2015, the Texas A&M grad was discharged from duty after receiving the Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and Army Service Ribbon. Then, on New Year's Eve, he received something else — a new house.

During a live New Year's Eve broadcast on Fox News, Spears and his family were surprised by Dan Wallrath and Rusty Carroll of Operation Finally Home, a New Braunfels-based nonprofit that provides mortgage-free, custom-built homes to wounded or ill service members.

"When we learned of your story through the Texas A&M community, we were touched by your service and sacrifice, but more by your perseverance and drive, which shines through with your family," Carroll said during the broadcast.

Along with his mother and stepfather, Spears will receive with a one-story house in San Antonio, custom-built to adhere to the soldier's needs. "This will be totally amazing for his progress and his recovery," said Spears' mother, Laura.

According to a press release, the Spears family will move into their new home sometime this year.

charity

Court News

Pickleball franchise scores first San Antonio courts near Stone Oak

Photo courtesy of Dill Dinkers

Dill Dinkers is breaking into the San Antonio market with tons of locations planned.

San Antonio is catching up on Texas' pickleball craze with the introduction of a national franchise that plans to bring up to 20 facilities starting in 2025. Dill Dinkers, a Maryland-based franchise, will open its first San Antonio facility in March.

The first location will be at 18450 Blanco Rd., Ste. 101, spanning 15,500 square feet and give individually-fenced courts. A release also promises "ProCushion court surfaces, smart court technology, and programming for all skill levels."

These facilities are indoors and climate-controlled. The atmosphere is more explicitly athletic compared to some popular chains that combine pickleball with an upscale sports club; this chain is focused on playing, although there are some spaces to rent out for parties.

There are several options for how to play and who comes along. Dill Dinkers doesn't require a membership to reserve a court, but members do get lower rates and priority in booking. The membership works across the United States. Operators for this location estimate that demand will be high, and it may be a long time before non-members are able to book. Founding memberships will open up on Friday, January 17.

Players can sign up for regularly scheduled clinics and take lessons in various configurations: individual, doubles, couples, groups, and kids. Play With a Pro lessons add a professional player to your team of three for a fun game with targeted feedback. Players renting a court can also rent or borrow (depending on membership status) a ball machine.

Dill Dinkers' introduction to the San Antonio market is being headed by two U.S. Air Force Veterans, Brian Birdy, the CEO of PMI Birdy Properties, and Karen Birdy, the president. The company largely manages long-term rentals and vacation properties.

"Pickleball is more than just a sport — it’s a way to bring people together and build community," said Birdy. "With Dill Dinkers, we’re creating a space where players of all ages and skill levels can connect, stay active, and enjoy the game year-round. San Antonio is ready for more dedicated indoor facilities, and we’re excited to make it happen."

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