Mike DeLancey

United States Marine Corps Lance Corporal Mike DeLancey grew up with his life centered around the local youth football fields. With a father who coached, and a childhood spent playing football and baseball, much of his early world revolved around sports. When he wasn’t on the field, he enjoyed spending time with friends, playing video games, and staying active in any way he could. 

In January 2004, driven by a desire to see the world beyond his hometown, DeLancey enlisted in the Marine Corps. He served with the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, India Company, where he found a deep sense of brotherhood—an aspect of military life he cherished most. His service took him to both Afghanistan and Iraq. 

While on foot patrol in Iraq, DeLancey was struck by a sniper’s round that entered through his back left scapula, fracturing his 5th and 6th vertebrae and shattering his 7th. The bullet traveled across his body, damaging his right shoulder and peppering his right lung. After extensive rehabilitation, he regained significant function in his right arm, but the injury left him a T‑6 complete paraplegic, paralyzed from the chest down. 

Today, DeLancey channels his energy and passion into the foundation he and his father created, dedicated to helping veterans stay active and engaged. His interests include spending time with friends, smoking meats, fishing, and handcycling. 

Support from the Tunnel to Towers Foundation has played a meaningful role in giving his family greater freedom and independence. 

United States Marine Corps Lance Corporal Mike DeLancey hopes others understand the importance of surrounding themselves with a strong support network of family and friends—and the value of simply getting out of the house and staying active. 

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has provided United States Marine Corps Lance Corporal Mike Delancey with a mortgage-free smart home through the Smart Home Program.