The Tunnel to Towers Foundation Unveils Smart Home Renovations for Missouri Veteran

Army SFC & Air Force MSgt Anthony Vick was diagnosed with service-connected ALS in 2017

WARRENSBURG, MISSOURI [August 20, 2024] — In a private ceremony, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation welcomed US Army Sergeant First Class and Air Force Master Sergeant Anthony Vick and his family into their newly renovated smart home in Warrensburg. 

MSgt Vick, a Missouri native, grew up in Warrensburg and the surrounding areas. He pursued a career in the military to pay for his college tuition. He found much more in the camaraderie and brotherhood of his fellow officers and took great pride in his service.

He joined the Army Reserves in 2003 and served with the 39th Medical Brigade for 13 years and the 369th Battalion for 1 year, followed by two years in the Air Force with the 442nd Fighter Wing Medical Squadron. 

Vick’s service to his country ended in 2017 when he was diagnosed with service-related Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or ALS. 

Despite a life expectancy diagnosis of 2-5 years, Vick has defied the odds. 

Vick has been married to his wife Karen, his full-time caregiver for ten years. The couple works to raise awareness for ALS and advocate for the ALS association. 

Tunnel to Towers remodeled his family’s home in Warrensburg, Missouri to make it more accessible and paid off the mortgage.

“It’s helped relieve many stresses and lifted so many burdens for my family. The renovations have helped us feel more comfortable in our home and given us peace of mind.” said Vick. 

He remains incredibly proud of his decade and a half of serving our country and positive despite what challenges still lie ahead. 

“I wouldn’t change anything…. Even with a terminal diagnosis. I still have pride in the service and faith that God’s hand is still writing my story,” said Vick. 

Studies consistently show that people who have served in the military, regardless of branch and whether serving during war or in peacetime, are more likely to be diagnosed with ALS. 

The Tunnel to Towers Smart Home Program builds specially adapted, smart homes to help our most catastrophically injured veterans and first responders live more independently.

With all of our smart homes, we include smart lights, security, and an intercom system throughout. In addition, a walkway was added to allow for Vick to get to the backyard with ease. The main bedroom and bathroom were also expanded to be ADA-certified.

For more on the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, go to T2T.org, There you can join us on our mission to provide homes for these heroes by donating $11 per month. 

Media Contacts: 

Trevor Tamsen – Trevor.Tamsen@t2t.org

Monica Allen – Monica.Allen@t2t.org