2022 Season of Hope

During the Tunnel to Towers 2022 Season of Hope,  we are giving away dozens of homes through New Year’s Eve.

That’s dozens and dozens of homes in just a few weeks! But accomplishing this for America’s heroes and their families wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of caring friends like you. People who understand what these heroic, self-sacrificing men and women gave and why they deserve every ounce of support we can give them.

Heroes like these four fallen Florida first responders whose mortgage payoffs got the 2022 Season of Hope started…

• Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Special Operations Driver Operator Graeme Gilmour,  who passed away after a short battle with an aggressive occupational cancer.  He leaves behind his wife, Alisia, and their four children.
• Bureau of Prisons Senior Officer Justin Joslyn, who passed away on September 11, 2021, from complications as a result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty. He leaves behind his wife, Chantel, and their three children. For Chantel, Tunnel to Towers’ support meant that her family could stay in their home. “When Justin passed, I had no idea what to do. I thought I was going to have to give up our forever home, uprooting my kids while they already grieved for so much. It was a weight lifted off of my family that has allowed us some stability, time for grieving and healing, and so much more. I will forever be in awe of the kindness, love, and generosity of Tunnel to Towers,” said Chantel Joslyn.

• Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Joshua Welge, who died on October 21, 2021, from complications as a result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty. He is survived by his wife, Brandi, and their three children.
• Customs and Border Protection Officer Richard McCoy, who died on May 2, 2020, from complications related to contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty. CBP Officer McCoy is survived by his wife, Helen, and their daughter.

Heroes like Tulsa Fire Department Firefighter/Paramedic Ryan Phillips and Midwest City Police Department Sergeant Frank Rodriguez…

• Tulsa Fire Department Firefighter/Paramedic Ryan Phillips passed away from a job-related heart attack on April 2, 2019. He is survived by his wife, Carrie, and their daughter.
• Midwest City Police Department Sergeant Frank Rodriguez died on September 29th, 2021 from complications as a result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty. He leaves behind his wife, Pauline, and their three children. “It is hard to explain how anything could comfort us during such a difficult time. However, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation gave us the gift of our home which gave us stability. It has allowed us time to grieve and gives us an opportunity to start to heal. Frank would have been so honored, the aid given to us by the Foundation is a tribute to his sacrifice,” said Pauline Rodriguez.

Heroes like fallen Minnesota Firefighter Lieutenant Brett Thomas Boss...

• On February 5th, 2022, Lt. Boss lost his lengthy battle with job-related Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare form of cancer. He was just 38 years old. Along with his role in the fire department, Boss was an EMT, a Hazmat Technician, a fire investigator, and a firefighter instructor for Riverland Community College. He leaves behind his wife, Danielle, and his two children.

Heroes like fallen San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Detective Armando Cantu Jr....

• On November 18th, 2021, Detective Cantu Jr. passed away due to illness attributed to his law enforcement career. He leaves behind his wife Beta Ka’Shaun, and his son.

Heroes like fallen Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services Fire Lieutenant Nathan “Nate” Flynn…

• Flynn was battling a house fire in Clarksville, Maryland on July 23rd, 2018, when the floor collapsed and trapped him in the basement. Lt. Flynn was pulled from the home and transported to the hospital but did not survive his injuries. He leaves behind his wife, Celeste, and their five children.

Heroes like Pennsylvania State Trooper Branden Sisca…

• On March 21st, 2022 Trooper Sisca was assisting a pedestrian on I-95 along with Fellow trooper Francis Mack III when they were both struck and killed by a drunk driver. Trooper Sisca is survived by his wife, Brittany, and their daughter who was born after her father was killed.

Heroes like Everett Police Officer Daniel Rocha…

• On March 25, 2022 Police Officer Rocha was shot and killed in the line of duty while responding to a suspicious person in a parking lot when the suspect shot Officer Rocha several times and fled. Police Officer Rocha is survived by his wife, Kelli, and two sons.

Heroes like Massachusetts State Police Sergeant Douglas Weddleton…

• Sergeant Weddleton was blocking an exit ramp for a construction crew when he was killed in the line of duty by two drunk drivers on June 18, 2010. His was killed on Father’s Day weekend, just weeks after his 52nd birthday. He is survived by his wife Judith, and his four sons. “His passing has left a huge void in our family that no one will ever be able to fill. Doug has missed birthdays, holidays, weddings, and the births of his two granddaughters, who would certainly be the light of his life. We miss him more than words can describe.” This home holds so many precious memories for me and my sons, and this generous gift mean so much to us,” said Judith Weddleton.

Heroes like Bristol, Connecticut Police Sergeant Dustin DeMonte…

• Bristol, Connecticut Police Sergeant Dustin DeMonte was one of two officers killed on October 12, 2022, in an apparent ambush attack. He was a 10-year veteran of the force and leaves behind his pregnant wife, Laura, and their two young children. “There are no words to express my gratitude to Mr. Siller and the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. To have the freedom to continue forward without the financial burden of a mortgage allows me to spend the most time and energy on my children as possible, which I am so thankful for. In addition to financial support, this Foundation provides a network of people who understand and truly care. That network reaches so far and wide, and it brings me a great sense of comfort and connectedness during this extremely dark time,” said Laura Demonte.

Tunnel to Towers Chairman and CEO Frank Siller met with Laura and her family on December 6, 2022 to hand-deliver the mortgage payoff notice.

Heroes like fallen Alabama first responders McAdory Fire Chief Jeffery Wyatt and Cedar Bluff Police Sergeant Christopher Michael Vaughn…

• On April 4, 2022 McAdory Fire Chief Jeffery Wyatt died of a heart attack after working a shift at his firehouse. Jeffrey proudly served the community for a total of 34 years. He is survived by his wife Katie Ryals and their four children.
• Cedar Bluff Police Sergeant Christopher Michael Vaughn passed away after a medical accident while on duty on April 1, 2022. He had served with the Cedar Bluff Police Department for six years and previously served with the Leesburg Police Department for seven years. He is survived by his wife, Ariel Henderson, and their two children.

Heroes like fallen Indiana Carroll County Deputy Sheriff Noah Rainey…

• On January 29, 2022, Deputy Sheriff Rainey was killed in a crash in Sedalia, Indiana while responding to assist during a vehicle pursuit. Deputy Sheriff Rainey is survived by his wife, Maria, and their two sons.

Heroes like four fallen Texas first responders…

• San Antonio Fire Department Engineer Lyle Crawford Jr passed away on February 16th, 2022 from complications as a result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty. Crawford Jr. is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 16 years, Jennifer, and his three children, Kimber, Layna, and Colt.
• San Antonio Fire Department Engineer Lyle James Crawford Jr passed away on February 16th, 2022 from complications as a result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty. Crawford Jr. is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 16 years, Jennifer, and his three children, Kimber, Layna, and Colt.
• Amarillo Police Sergeant Michael David Dunn died on October 22nd, 2021 from complications as a result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty. Sergeant Dunn is survived by his wife, Delonda, and their four children, Bailey, Reagan, Michael, and Chloe. For Delonda, Tunnel to Towers’ support meant that her family could stay in their home. “My house payment was my family’s only debt and by far our largest monthly expense. When the Tunnel to Towers Foundation lifted this burden, it gave my family peace of mind during an uncertain time. My kids and I were given the certainty that we would be able to remain in our home where so many happy memories were created with their dad and my husband. This gift from the Tunnel to Towers Foundation has blessed my family beyond measure and we are forever grateful,” said Delonda Dunn.

• U.S. Border Patrol Agent Ricardo Zarate passed away on August 16, 2021 due to COVID related complications while on duty. He is survived by his wife Crystal, and two children, Payton and Ezekiel.
• Harris County Deputy Sheriff Shaun Christopher Waters died on August 1st, 2021 from complications as a result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty. Deputy Waters is survived by his wife, Arsolanda, and their two children, Marverlina and Shaun II. “Losing Shaun changed my world forever. He was so much more than my husband; he was the father of our two children and my best friend. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation lifted one of those burdens and allowed me to focus on my children’s well-being. I am forever humbled, honored, and grateful for what this foundation has done for my children and I. Your generosity has been truly a blessing to my family during our path toward healing,” said Waters’ wife Arsolanda Lamothe.

Heroes like Wisconsin State Patrol Master Trooper Daniel Stainbrook…

• Master Trooper Stainbrook passed away due to complications as a result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty on November 15, 2021. He is survived by his loving wife, Bernadette, and two daughters. “Losing Dan wasn’t just devastating emotionally, but financially as well. There was a great deal of uncertainty for us with his loss. Thanks to Tunnel to Towers, we knew that at least we would have our home, which put our single largest fear to rest. It meant we wouldn’t have to leave a place so full of happy memories, so full of comfort, a place that is most certainly our sanctuary,” said Bernadette Stainbrook.

Heroes like NYPD Detective First-Grade Christopher Brian McDonnell and Officer Eric Murray…. 

• NYPD Detective First-Grade Christopher Brian McDonnell passed away from complications as a result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty. He died on May 6, 2020, and is survived by his wife, Andrea, and their son, Trevor.
• Officer Eric Murray served with the New York City Police Department for over 16 years. He passed away from complications as a result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty. Officer Murray died on April 9th, 2020 leaving behind his wife, Carolina, and two daughters.

Heroes like FDNY Lieutenant Greg “Mickey” Hansen…

• FDNY Lieutenant Greg “Mickey” Hansen has been battling 9/11-related ALS, a progressive, debilitating disease that has no known cure. In a homecoming ceremony on December 15, Tunnel to Towers announced his mortgage payoff and unveiled extensive renovations the Foundation made on his Staten Island, NY home. Tunnel to Towers removed walls and carpet throughout the home to make it easier for Lt. Hansen to get around in a wheelchair or walker. The Foundation made the bathroom bigger and installed ADA equipment to make it easier for him to use. The Foundation also renovated the kitchen with new lighting, cabinets, flooring, countertops, and appliances including a motorized kitchen table that raises and lowers to wheelchair height.

Heroes like U.S. Army Corporal Kevin Brewington

• CPL Brewington enlisted in the army in 2010 and deployed to Afghanistan a year later. On September 22, 2011, CPL Brewington’s unit was returning to base when he triggered an IED. He lost both legs instantly in the blast and nearly lost his right arm. He underwent nearly 50 surgeries, and after a year and a half of therapy, he medically retired from the army in 2013. 

Tunnel to Towers paid the mortgage on the home of double-leg amputee U.S. Army Corporal Kevin Brewington and installed smart technology throughout the home to help CPL Brewington live more independently. “It will take a financial burden off of our family and additions that the smart home will add to our home will make it easier on me and make it easier for me as a father,” said CPL Brewington.

Heroes like U.S. Army SPC Robert Thornton Jr

• U.S. Army SGT Robert Thornton Jr. passed away after collapsing during physical training at Fort Bragg North Carolina. After Robert collapsed, several fellow soldiers administered aid and he was rushed to Womack Army Medical Center, where he succumbed to what was later found to be an undiagnosed enlarged heart. He is survived by Danielle Thornton and their children, Jaylen and Kinsley.

The Thornton family is the first family to move into the Tunnel to Towers Let Us Do Good Village in Land O’ Lakes Florida. Danielle is excited to move into a community for individuals and families who can relate to each other through shared experiences of loss and also hope for the future.  “Moving into the Let Us Do Good Village means the world to my children and me. Being the FIRST Gold Star family to move in is truly a blessing,” Danielle says. “I prayed many nights that I would find a way for my children and myself to heal, and I believe this community is just what we need. It won’t take the pain away, but it is a starting point in being able to be around families like ourselves that understand the daily struggles we endure. I am forever grateful to Tunnel to Towers for blessing us with this home.”

The goal for the Let Us Do Good Village is to bring families with similar backgrounds together to heal and help one another.

Heroes like U.S Army SPC Maggie Mae Bilyeu…

• In early 2016, only a couple of months into her deployment as part of Operation Freedom Sentinel, Maggie was struck by a suicide bomber, leaving her critically injured, and killing two American soldiers and two American contractors. Maggie sustained multiple shrapnel wounds to her chest and torso, a broken leg, and numerous internal injuries as a result of the blast. On November 12, 2016, after returning to the U.S. for care, Maggie underwent numerous treatments resulting in the loss of part of her small and large intestine, part of her colon, a splenectomy, repairing a split in her diaphragm, and lost a portion of her left breast. Maggie went on to lose her left leg below the knee as a result of the injuries sustained during the attack. She has also been diagnosed with TBI, loss of hearing, and tinnitus.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation, in partnership with The Home Depot Foundation, built a mortgage-free smart home for Maggie and her wife, Mia, in Texas. Maggie’s smart home features a number of accessible features including automated doors and lighting, wider halls and doorways, special showers to accommodate wheelchairs, automatic door openers, cabinets, counters and stove tops that can be raised and lowered, back-up generators and central heating and air conditioning systems that can be controlled by tablets. Maggie’s smart home allows her to continue to receive medical care while she gets back to the outdoor hobbies that bring her comfort and joy. 

Heroes like Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Frederick Henry Cameron Jr…

• Sgt. Cameron passed away on January 12th, 2021 from complications as a result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty. He began his 16-year career with the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office in February of 2005 to help his community. Sergeant Frederick Henry Cameron Jr. is survived by his wife Michelle, and two children.

Heroes like Montgomery County Deputy Sheriff Sypraseuth Phouangphrachanh. 

• Deputy Phouangphrachanh passed away on March 31, 2020, from complications as a result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty. He is survived by his wife, Heather, and his five children.

Heroes like these three Missouri fallen first responders… 

• Missouri State Trooper Lonnie Lejeune died on December 10th, 2021 from complications as the result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty. Missouri State Trooper Lonnie Raymond Lejeune is survived by his wife of 21 years, Jeannie, and his two sons.  
• Cedar Hill Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Marvin Shaffrey died on November 2nd, 2021 after contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty.  He served his community and the Cedar Hill Fire Protection District for over 42 years. He left behind his wife and high school sweetheart, Anastasia, and their two daughters. 
• Deputy Team Leader for PA-1 DMAT and Deputy Coordinator for Allegheny County Emergency Services David “DJ” Johnson passed away on September 10, 2021, due to a 9/11-related illness. Johnson is survived by his wife, Darla; their four children, Jessica, Justin, Abigayle, and Erika; daughter-in-law, Kim; son-in-law, Joshua; grandsons, Mason and Caleb; mother and father-in-law, Eileen and Stanley; sisters, Dana and Diane; sister-in-law, Renee; brothers-in-law, Curt and Chuck; nephews, Ed, Henry, Chuck, Joshua and Joseph; and niece, Amelia.

Heroes like these 9 NY and NJ fallen first responders…

• Yonkers Police Sergeant Frank Gualdino was killed on December 1, 2022, when an unlicensed 16-year-old driver crossed into the opposite lanes at a high rate of speed and struck his vehicle head-on. He served his community for over 24 years and was just months from retirement. He leaves behind his wife Lisa and two children.
• Nassau County Police Officer Matthew Perlungher passed away from 9/11-related illnesses.
• NYPD Detective First Grade Terence Mulvey passed away from 9/11-related illnesses.
• NYPD Sergeant Stephen Scalza passed away from 9/11-related illnesses.
• NYPD Detective Third Grade John Goggin passed away from 9/11-related illnesses.
• New Jersey Department of Corrections Senior Correctional Officer Edward Jamandron passed away from complications that resulted after contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty.
• NYPD Detective Jeffrey Allen Scalf passed away from complications that resulted after contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty.
• Customs and Border Protection Officer Mario Dichiara passed away from complications that resulted after contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty.
• Port Monmouth Fire Company Firefighter Robert Weber passed away from complications that resulted after contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty.

With your help, the homes we give away during our Season of Hope campaign will span our: Fallen First Responder Home Program; Smart Home Program; Gold Star Family Home Program.

For all of these deserving families and veterans, supporters like YOU make all the difference this holiday season for just $11 a month. Thank you for your generosity and your support.