Tyler Wilson is an honorably discharged U.S. Army Specialist who served as an Infantryman (11B10). He entered active duty on July 29, 2003, and was medically retired on September 22, 2005. During his service, SPC Wilson deployed to Afghanistan from April to May 2005, serving in an imminent danger pay area for contingency operations. On a Quick Reaction Force (QRF) rescue mission, SPC Wilson sustained multiple combat injuries after receiving four gunshot wounds from Taliban forces. He was instantly paralyzed and was medically retired with an honorable discharge due to a temporary disability.
SPC Wilson has a combined VA compensation rating of 100% and is entitled to Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) for the severity of his conditions, including the loss of use of both legs, loss of anal and bladder sphincter control, and the need for regular aid and attendance.
His service-connected disabilities include:
- Spinal Cord Injury (T7 complete paraplegia): Resulting from a T12 fracture and laminectomy, leading to the permanent loss of use of both lower extremities.
- Neurogenic Bowel and Bladder: Causing loss of anal and bladder sphincter control.
- Internal Organ Injuries: Including a lobectomy of the lung (due to a gunshot wound to the chest) and a laceration of the liver.
SPC Wilson was awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Due to his T7 complete paraplegia and associated conditions, specially adapted housing is medically necessary to provide a barrier-free living environment.Due to his T7 complete paraplegia and associated conditions, specially adapted housing is medically necessary to provide a barrier-free living environment.
Wilson’s journey since his injury has been one of resilience, supported every step of the way by his family. The immediate aftermath of his injury required immense adjustments, not just for Wilson but for his wife, Sarah, and their two young children. Sarah became his primary caregiver, navigating the complexities of his medical needs, physical therapy appointments, and the emotional toll of adapting to life with severe mobility impairments. The family’s current home, built without consideration for wheelchair use, presents daily, exhausting barriers, including narrow doorways, inaccessible bathrooms, and stairs that prevent Wilson from participating fully in family life and reaching all areas of his own home. The need for specially adapted housing is therefore a critical step toward restoring Wilson’s independence and alleviating the continuous physical and emotional strain on his entire family.
A specially-adapted smart home will be transformational, enabling Wilson to manage his daily routine with dignity and empowering him to be a more present and active father and husband. The elimination of architectural barriers will allow him to eSortlessly move throughout the home, focusing his energy on rehabilitation and quality time with his family rather than struggling with basic access. This barrier-free environment will not only accommodate his wheelchair and specific medical needs (like a roll-in shower and accessible kitchen) but will also allow his family to transition back into roles of spouse and children, rather than constant caregivers. Providing Wilson with the SAH grant is an investment in his health, independence, and the stability and well-being of the entire Wilson family.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has surprised United States Army Specialist Tyler Wilson with a mortgage-free smart home during the Steel Across America Tour in Seattle, Washington, through the Smart Home Program.