Why I Support the Tunnel to Towers Foundation: A Personal Journey
As a disabled veteran with seven deployments since September 11th and being part of the first days and the initial wave of jets to strike back, I have a profound respect for organizations that go above and beyond to support those in need. One foundation that stands out to me is the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which I wholeheartedly support through continuous donations. I believe our heroes deserve to live comfortably after their service, and it's essential they receive the benefits they've earned. The mission of Tunnel to Towers, which provides mortgage-free homes to injured veterans and first responders, resonates with me deeply.
Last year, I had the opportunity to return to New York City, and visiting the National September 11 Memorial & Museum and the "Survivor's Tree" was an emotional experience. I was alone, but the connections I felt were powerful, reminding me of those who didn't return home or who are forever altered by their service. I am grateful for being able to return safely, but I am eager to do more for those who have sacrificed so much. I want to share why I support Tunnel to Towers and encourage you to consider how you too can make a meaningful impact.
A Heartfelt Mission: Support for Injured Veterans
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation was established to honor the legacy of Stephen Gerard Siller, a firefighter who lost his life on September 11, 2001, while heroically saving others. Inspired by his selflessness and commitment to service, the foundation has evolved to support veterans and first responders in various impactful ways.
One of the most significant initiatives of the moment is the Smart Home Program that provides specially adapted, mortgage-free homes for our most catastrophically injured veterans. Recently, I learned about the dedication and hard work the foundation puts into transforming lives through the story of Air Force Senior Airman Ted “TJ” Williams Jr.
In February 2025, Senior Airman Williams was presented with a mortgage-free smart home in Mustang, Oklahoma, after suffering a devastating injury that resulted in quadriplegia. His journey is a testament to the depth of care and commitment that the Tunnel to Towers Foundation embodies. When Williams expressed his gratitude for his new home, he said, “I’m just so thankful to have a home that I can function in… It takes a burden off my wife, a burden off my boys.”
The Impact of Accessibility
What stood out to me specifically about Senior Airman Williams’ home was how it was designed for his unique needs. The smart home features wider walkways, automatic doors, and remote-controlled systems to adjust lights, security, and temperature—all crucial aspects for someone living with mobility challenges. These specially adapted homes not only provide safety and independence but also give veterans the ability to thrive rather than just cope with their realities.
The emotional weight of seeing veterans live their lives with dignity and grace drives me to contribute to Tunnel to Towers every month. Knowing that my donation helps provide essential services and homes to heroes like Senior Airman Williams reassures me that I am part of something much larger than myself.
The Numbers Speak
For just as little as $11 a month, you can make a profound difference in the lives of these deserving veterans. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation relies on the generosity of individuals to continue its mission of building homes that provide independence and comfort for America's heroes. Every contribution is another step toward furnishing stability and hope to those who put everything on the line for your safety.
In addition to the smart homes, the foundation expands its outreach through various programs created to assist first responders, including scholarships for children of fallen first responders and financial relief to struggling families. Each donation has a tangible impact on those who have sacrificed so much. By supporting Tunnel to Towers, you are empowering those in your community and beyond.
The Legacy of Stephen Siller
Stephen Siller's life story serves as an important reminder of the sacrifices made every day by first responders. His journey as the youngest of seven children—overcoming adversity and dedicating himself to a life of service—resonates with many. On September 11, 2001, he exemplified bravery by choosing to return to duty after hearing about the attacks. With 60 pounds of gear strapped to his back, he dashed through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel and ultimately sacrificed his life to save others.
His legacy, as encapsulated by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, challenges all of us to live each day with purpose and to take every opportunity to do good. By supporting this foundation, you are not only honoring his memory but also helping to carve out a brighter future for those who serve in similar professions.
Your Role in Making a Difference
As I reflect on my commitment to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, I encourage you to consider how you might support this cause or find organizations you are passionate about. Perhaps you are someone who appreciates the valor of military service or has witnessed the struggles of those who served our country. By contributing to organizations that focus on helping these individuals, you can help improve lives and foster hope.
If you are already involved with a charitable organization, I would love to hear about it! Share with me your stories and the causes that resonate with you. Whether it’s supporting displaced families, fostering animal rescue, or aiding children in need, every effort counts. Together, we can create a ripple effect of compassion in our communities.
Encouragement to Reach Out
If you haven’t settled on an organization to support, I strongly encourage you to explore the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Visit T2T.org to learn more about their initiatives and how your contributions can make a real difference in the lives of those who served. Whether it's through recurring donations, one-time gifts, or even volunteering your time, there are countless ways to get involved.
Support not only helps fund the construction of homes for heroes like Senior Airman Williams but also provides crucial resources and programs that uplift veterans and first responders who might be struggling to reclaim their independence after facing life-changing injuries.
The Importance of Community and Connection
As a disabled veteran myself, I often reflect on the sense of community that arises when we band together to support those who have served us. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation embodies this spirit by creating a network of support not just for veterans, but for their families as well. I feel a responsibility to help sustain this community and ensure that we are honoring the sacrifices made by those who came before us.
By engaging in these charitable endeavors, we not only uplift others, but we also strengthen our own sense of purpose. It serves as a reminder that while we may face our own challenges, there are people in dire need of assistance who have sacrificed more than we can imagine.
Taking Action Together
As we navigate the complexities of life, it is essential to take moments to appreciate and recognize the hard work of those dedicated to serving our nation. Supporting organizations like the Tunnel to Towers Foundation is a powerful way to show gratitude and commitment to our heroes.
I invite each of you to consider making a monthly donation, just $11, to support the critical work being done by this foundation. Your contribution can genuinely change lives and help build homes that provide comfort, independence, and the peace of mind our veterans deserve.
Additionally, share your charitable interests with us. Let us know about the organizations that inspire you and the causes you’re passionate about. There is unparalleled strength in community, and together we can build a supportive network that values service and honors sacrifice.
A Call to Action
In closing, I want to emphasize the importance of our contributions—both financially and via our time and energy—to veteran-focused organizations like the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Each donation, no matter the size, adds up to something incredible: the chance to significantly change lives.
Think about how you can fit giving into your monthly budget. Find an organization whose mission speaks to your values and respond with gratitude for what they do. The world becomes a better place when we actively participate in lifting each other up.
Join me in supporting the Tunnel to Towers Foundation so that we can continue to honor the sacrifices made by our brave men and women in uniform. Together, let’s make a lasting impact and ensure that every veteran has a place to call home—their home.
Visit T2T.org today to learn more about their impactful initiatives, and consider joining me in helping our nation’s heroes reclaim their lives with dignity. Your support can make all the difference. Let's pool our resources and efforts to build a better future for those who have served us selflessly. Share this with your friends or on your social media to help gain more exposure to promote supporting Tunnels to Towers and their cause. Thank you for your support!
