Tunnel to Towers Foundation Dedicates Three Mortgage-Free Smart Homes for Injured Veterans in Franklin
Army Sergeant Kevin Gatson, USMC Corporal Travis Dodson, and USMC Lance Corporal Eli Tice Receive Custom Homes in Middle Tennessee
FRANKLIN, TENNESSEE [April 15, 2026] — On April 15, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation will welcome three injured veterans, Army Sergeant Kevin Gatson, U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Travis Dodson, and U.S. Marine Corps Lance Corporal Eli Tice, into their new, mortgage-free, specially-adapted smart homes.
Just 17 months ago, in November 2024, Tunnel to Towers broke ground on these residences, and now the Foundation is ready to welcome these heroes into their new, forever homes. Three smart homes, built side by side in Franklin, will create a community for these heroes, who share a bond through their military service and passion for adaptive sports.
“This ceremony marks not just the dedication of three homes, but the beginning of a powerful new chapter for these heroes defined by independence, accessibility, and community here in Middle Tennessee,” said Tunnel to Towers Chairman and CEO Frank Siller. “They have given so much in service to our country, and it is our honor to ensure they have forever homes that restore freedom, dignity, and the ability to live life on their own terms, side by side with brothers who share their journey.”
Meet Our Heroes:
Army Sergeant Kevin Gatson: Sgt. Gatson enlisted in 2003. He was injured by an IED in Afghanistan on July 12, 2010, resulting in the loss of half of his left leg and severe injuries to his right leg. He is a competitive sled hockey player and the captain of the Warrior Sled Hockey team.
USMC Corporal Travis Dodson: Cpl. Dodson was injured in Iraq on February 14, 2007, when insurgents attacked his convoy. He lost his right leg above the knee and his left leg at the hip. He has become a decorated Paralympian, competing in cross-country skiing and winning three Gold Medals with the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team in PyeongChang (2018), Beijing (2022), and earlier this year in Milano Cortina.
USMC Lance Corporal Eli Tice: Born in Berlin, Germany, LCpl Tice set his sights on becoming a Marine. He graduated from infantry school in 2009. On May 24, 2010, he was injured by an IED in Afghanistan, resulting in the loss of his right leg above the knee, his right thumb, and severe injuries to his left arm. He remains active in sprint triathlons, as well as hunting, fishing, and hiking.
Join us as we honor these three American heroes for their service and sacrifice for our country as Tunnel to Towers creates a one-of-a-kind block in Franklin, Tennessee.
The Tunnel to Towers Smart Home Program builds specially adapted smart homes to help severely injured veterans and first responders live more independently.
The homes feature zero thresholds, motorized doors, and keyless entry for easier access. The lights, temperature, security, and sound systems can be controlled remotely via a smartphone app or touchscreens throughout the house. Wide doors, hallways, and bathrooms enable easy navigation.
Just one week earlier, dozens of volunteers from Team Depot, The Home Depot’s associate volunteer force, helped prepare these homes by providing landscaping in the beds around the homes, assembling patio dining sets and grills, and installing essential outdoor items at each home.
Since 2011, The Home Depot Foundation has partnered with Tunnel to Towers to build over 100 smart homes for combat-wounded veterans and invested over $650 million to improve more than 70,000 veteran homes and facilities.
Visit T2T.org to join us on our mission to deliver life-changing smart homes for America’s heroes by donating $11 per month.
About the Tunnel to Towers Foundation
Born from the tragedy of 9/11, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation carries out its mission to “do good” by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children and by building specially adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders.
Children of the Foundation’s home recipients are offered full scholarships for undergraduate degrees and accredited trade school programs, helping secure their futures. The Foundation is also committed to eradicating veteran homelessness and helping America Never Forget September 11, 2001.
Visit T2T.org to learn more, and follow Tunnel to Towers on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
About The Home Depot FoundationThe Home Depot Foundation, a nonprofit supported by The Home Depot, works to improve the homes and lives of U.S. veterans, support communities impacted by natural disasters and train skilled tradespeople to fill the labor gap. Since 2011, the Foundation has invested more than $650 million in veteran causes and improved more than 70,000 veteran homes and facilities. The Foundation has pledged to invest $750 million in veteran causes by 2030 and $50 million in training the next generation of skilled tradespeople through the Path to Pro program by 2028. To learn more about The Home Depot Foundation visit HomeDepotFoundation.org and follow us on X @HomeDepotFound and on Facebook and Instagram @HomeDepotFoundation.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Trevor Tamsen — Trevor.Tamsen@t2t.org