United States Army Sergeant Cory Cameron Collins was born into a world that demanded resilience from the start. Raised by his father in a troubled home, he found strength in the quiet moments of connection—playing soccer, or turning wrenches in the garage beside his dad. Mechanical work was a passion and a focus of his time.
From an early age, Collins knew he wanted more than what his surroundings could offer. The military wasn’t just a career goal—it was a chance to see the world and to build a life defined by discipline, honor, and possibility. In June 1997, he made that leap and joined the United States Army.
What followed was a journey of transformation. Collins thrived in the structure and camaraderie of military life. He forged bonds with fellow soldiers and discovered his true calling in leadership. Training and mentoring soldiers became his proudest achievement. To Collins, the Purple Hearts and awards he received were not symbols of glory, but reminders of sacrifice. His real legacy lies in the lives he helped shape.
While leading a convoy in Iraq in 2005, Collins was severely injured by a roadside bomb. He sustained more than 30 broken bones, including his left arm, pelvis, tailbone, back, and left leg. Shrapnel tore through his left leg, leading to its amputation. Despite the hardships he has endured, Collins refuses to let that moment in Iraq shape his identity. As he puts it, “What happened to me was just an event. It does not define me.”
Today, Collins lives with the same grit that carried him through war. He finds joy in motorcycle riding, mechanical work, NASCAR, and cheering on the Texas Rangers. He credits the support from Tunnel to Towers with providing financial security for his family, mental stability, and a home whose accessibility is a foundation for healing and thriving.
United States Army Sergeant Cory Cameron Collins is more than a soldier. He is a husband, a father, a mentor, and a survivor.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has provided United States Army Sergeant Cory Cameron Collins with a mortgage-free smart home through the Smart Home Program.