Tunnel to Towers Foundation Pays off Mortgage and Renovates Home for Army Veteran

Honoring the service and sacrifice of Sergeant First Class Douglas Franklin

VALRICO, FLORIDA [January 13, 2026] — In a private ceremony, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation welcomed United States Army Sergeant First Class Douglas Franklin and his wife back into their newly renovated home. 

The Tunnel to Towers Smart Home Program provides specially-adapted, mortgage-free smart homes that help our most catastrophically injured veterans and first responders to reclaim their day-to-day independence. 

SFC Franklin grew up in Anaheim, California, and enlisted in the Army in 1980, inspired by his father’s service as a Marine. He would go on to serve his country for nearly three decades. 

“I loved going overseas in Civil Affairs. I always felt that I was truly making a difference, helping build a girl’s school in Yemen, or assisting in the drilling for water,” said SFC Franklin. 

On July 23, 2007, while deployed in Iraq, Franklin was injured by two mortars that detonated just 15 feet away. The attack left him with a severe traumatic brain injury, tunnel vision, and him legally blind. 

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation renovated his Valrico home to make it more accessible and paid SFC Franklin’s mortgage in full. “It has meant the world to my family and me. From a grateful heart, I want to say thank you for all of your support. We all feel so blessed.” 

His Smart home Renovation includes: 

• Remodeling the Master Bathroom to make it accessible
• Pour a new walkway from the driveway to the front door, and raise the porch to the new front door
• Remove all carpets in the home and replace them with flooring
• Upgraded the electrical system and HVAC in his garage for therapy equipment
• Smart home technology installed in the master bedroom and main living area enables the lights, thermostat, and security system to be controlled remotely via an app. 
• A whole-house generator for emergencies

On September 11, 2001, FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller laid down his life to save others when America was attacked. For 25 years, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation has honored Stephen’s legacy by supporting the heroes who continue to risk life and limb in the line of duty. 

To date, Tunnel to Towers has delivered over 1,700 mortgage-free homes to our nation’s heroes and committed over $1 billion across all of our programs.

This year, the Foundation is delivering 343 mortgage-free homes to catastrophically injured veterans and first responders, as well as Gold Star families and families of fallen first responders who leave behind young children. We are also committed to eradicating veteran homelessness and helping America to Never Forget September 11, 2001.

To join us on our mission to deliver mortgage-free homes to our nation’s heroes by going to T2T.org and donate $11 per month.