United States Marine Corps. Lance Corporal Eli Tice was born in Berlin, Germany where his mother was stationed as a Russian linguist for the United States Air Force. He grew up in Charles Town, West Virginia alongside his older brother and sister, where he spent most of his time riding bikes with friends and playing sports such as wrestling and football. Tice comes from a military family and always had the desire to become a Marine, even from a young age.
Tice joined the USMC in September of 2008 and graduated from infantry school in 2009. Shortly after graduation he served with the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Division out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. After about a year of pre-deployment training, Tice and his unit were deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan. On May 24th, 2010, Tice was on security patrol with his squad when they decided to search and secure a nearby abandoned compound. Tice and his squad soon realized that the compound was boobytrapped with improvised explosive devices, one of which was detonated. Tice was the only one seriously injured, resulting in a right leg amputation just above the knee, loss of his right thumb, and near loss of his left arm. Tice’s arm had to be reconstructed with plates, screws and a long rod. He also has burn and shrapnel scars all over his left leg.
Tice built a strong brotherhood with his fellow Marines and truly loved serving alongside them. Currently Tice resides in Nashville, Tennessee and he has been keeping himself busy doing sprint triathlons. Tice also finds enjoyment in hunting, fishing, hiking, and eating tacos.
Tice would like to extend his gratitude to his mother, stating, “My mom is the strongest person I know. I put her through hell and she was always there to save me from my mess. I owe her the world.” Tice credits his mother for all that he now has in life, as she supported him when he was at his lowest.
Tunnel to Towers will be gifting a custom-built smart home to United States Marine Corps. Lance Corporal Eli Tice.