Army Specialist Danielle L. Green grew up in the inner city of Chicago, where hardship was a constant companion, yet even as a young girl she held tightly to two powerful dreams. At eight years old, she became captivated by the University of Notre Dame—the football games on television, the iconic seven‑story mural of “Touchdown Jesus,” the Golden Dome, and the Basilica. She felt an immediate spiritual pull toward the university and vowed that one day she would walk its campus. Her second dream was to serve her country. Military commercials like “Be All You Can Be” resonated deeply with her, offering a vision of a future far brighter than the world around her.
Despite the challenges at home, Green found joy in neighborhood games—hide‑and‑seek, tag, jump rope, kickball, softball, and football. She also enjoyed watching sitcoms with her granny. Over time, basketball became her refuge. It was her sanctuary and her escape. She poured herself into the sport, practicing for hours, pushing past limits, and believing in herself even when others did not.
Green achieved her first dream of earning a basketball scholarship to attend the University of Notre Dame. She graduated and left the program as the 14th all-time leading scorer after averaging 1.1 points per game as a freshman. After a couple of years of teaching and coaching, and witnessing the events of 9/11, she felt the pull of her second dream. The next year, Green decided it was time to serve her country.
In 2002, after researching each branch of the military, she enlisted in the U.S. Army as a military police officer. Though she could have pursued an officer’s commission, she chose instead to start at the ground level. She wanted to understand the ranks from the inside, so that one day, as an officer, she could communicate with authenticity and respect.
Serving in the military was never just a job for Green—it was a calling. Wearing the uniform and waking each day knowing she was contributing to something greater than herself, was priceless. The Army shaped her into a stronger version of herself, both before and after her injury.
Green deployed to Iraq as the company commander’s top gunner—an achievement made even more significant because only a handful of female military police officers served in her company.
On May 25, 2004, while patrolling a rooftop in central Baghdad in 110‑degree heat, Green prepared to return fire after barricades below were struck. In that moment, she was hit by a rocket‑propelled grenade. The blast nearly killed her. It severed her dominant left arm below the elbow, left a nine‑inch scar on her thigh, and fractured her humerus, which later had to be fused back together. She earned the Purple Heart for wounds sustained in combat.
Today, Green embraces life with resilience and gratitude. She enjoys traveling with her son, playing golf, staying active, hiking, cooking, and using her voice to support veteran causes. Support from the Tunnel to Towers Foundation has been transformative for her family, providing stability, safety, and hope at a time when it was needed most. As her family’s burden was eased, she was reminded that she did not have to climb this journey alone. She remains deeply grateful for the dignity and respect with which her sacrifice was honored.
Army Specialist Danielle L. Green believes there is no shame in asking for help. She reminds others that visible and/or invisible scars do not diminish a person—they reveal strength. They do not define who you are; they make you priceless. She encourages others to use the wisdom gained from their own journeys to uplift and empower those around them.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has provided Army Specialist Danielle L. Green with a mortgage-free smart home through the Smart Home Program.