United States Marine Corps Lance Corporal Eli Tice was born in Berlin, Germany where his mother was stationed as a Russian linguist for the United States Air Force. He grew up in West Virginia and enjoyed a wonderful childhood filled with sports, bike rides, and plenty of time outdoors. The family traveled often, and Tice’s dad, a career military officer who served in the USMC and the Army, frequently took the boys hunting and fishing. The siblings grew up going to church, and family dinners were always mandatory.
Tice comes from a long line of Marines in addition to his dad —his grandfather, great-uncle, and brother all served in the Corps, and his brother earned a Purple Heart in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The idea of becoming a Marine was instilled in Tice from a young age, and there was never anything else he wanted to do. Enlisting in September of 2008, he graduated from Infantry School in 2009 and served with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Division out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. For Tice, the true highlights were serving alongside his brothers, forging that brotherhood, and taking part in some exceptional training and operations. He remains most proud of being a 19 year old squad leader and leading patrols of 20 Marines in a combat zone.
On May 24th, 2010, while deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan, Tice and his squad were on an early morning security patrol when they encountered an abandoned compound rigged with IEDs at every entry point. Tice was the second Marine to step inside when an explosion sent him flying, his ears ringing and the smell of chemicals and burnt flesh filling the air. He realized he had stepped on an IED, though the shock made it feel unreal. His Marines reached him, pulled him from the compound, and provided lifesaving first aid before he was evacuated by helicopter. He sustained severe injuries, including the loss of his right leg above the knee, the loss of his right thumb, and the near loss of his left arm, which was later reconstructed with plates, screws, and a long rod. He also carries burn and shrapnel scars across his left leg.
Tice’s recovery was a roller coaster. He stayed motivated early on, determined to walk again, and found strength in the camaraderie of fellow Marines and Soldiers who pushed him to keep showing up. Various organizations helped him stay active, allowing him to return to scuba diving and skiing—an important part of his healing, but once he left the hospital, things unraveled quickly and his life spiraled. Tice credits his mother with getting his life back on course after years of turmoil, saying she “is the strongest person I know.”
Tice’s passion and career are rooted in aviation. He has spent the past ten years working as a helicopter mechanic and pilot, a role that challenges him and teaches him something new every day. He takes great pride in fixing and flying the aircraft he maintains. Outside of aviation, he enjoys scuba diving, skiing, hunting, fishing, hiking, and eating tacos. Today, Tice navigates life with his wife, best friend, and biggest supporter Kori by his side. They are excited to watch their daughter, Wren, grow and develop in their beautiful home, which offers plenty of room to play and explore. Tice is eager to turn his house into a true home while pursuing his own goals and supporting his family’s future. He credits Tunnel to Towers with giving his family a profound sense of security and stability. His future feels defined by optimism and confidence.
United States Marine Corps Lance Corporal Eli Tice believes the core message of his journey is to never give up and always strive to improve. There were moments when he felt completely overwhelmed, but holding on just a little longer allowed him to regain clarity. He knew he had the capacity to be better, and with grit, toughness, and persistence, he pulled himself out of despair and began building the life he deserved.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has provided USMC Lance Corporal Eli Tice with a mortgage-free smart home through the Smart Home Program.