Tunnel to Towers Foundation Pays Off Mortgage and Renovates Home for Injured Idaho Veteran

Honoring the Service of U.S. Marine Corps Lance Corporal Joseph “Joey” Lowe

RATHDRUM, IDAHO [November 7, 2025] – The Tunnel to Towers Foundation unveiled renovations to the home of U.S. Marine Corps Lance Corporal Joseph “Joey” Lowe in Rathdrum, Idaho, honoring his service and sacrifice by paying off the family’s mortgage in full and remodeling their home to help him live more independently.

Surrounded by his wife and children, LCpl. Lowe cut the ceremonial ribbon on his newly renovated and mortgage-free home.

Born and raised in Idaho, Lowe was inspired to serve by his father, a Marine veteran. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in May 2001—just months before the September 11th terrorist attacks. 

While completing Marine Combat Training at Camp Pendleton, Lowe witnessed the nation go to war.

After training at Tank School on the M1-A1 Abrams, he deployed to Iraq in 2005 with the 2nd Tank Battalion. During Operation Matador, his tank struck a triple-stacked IED near the Syrian border. The massive explosion launched the 70-ton vehicle into the air, severely injuring everyone inside. Lowe was left paralyzed from the chest down.

In addition to paralysis, Lowe continues to endure chronic nerve pain, PTSD, and memory loss. 

The Tunnel to Towers Smart Home Program builds specially adapted, mortgage-free smart homes or renovates existing homes to help our most catastrophically injured veterans and first responders reclaim their day-to-day independence.

When Lowe said he wanted to stay in his home, Tunnel to Towers ensured he could do so comfortably. “This home is my safe spot. I knew it was too small for my family and had accessibility issues, but the thought of leaving it filled me with anxiety. When Tunnel to Towers said, ‘We get it….we will modify your home,’ I was filled with a sense of relief.” 

The Foundation not only paid off the Lowe family’s mortgage but also completed extensive renovations and accessibility upgrades to ensure Joey can live independently and comfortably.

Home Renovations Include:

• 400-square-foot addition to expand the kitchen and dining area, creating more space for family gatherings and activities
• Enlarged bedrooms for the Lowe children
• New concrete path connecting the rear yard to the garage exit door for improved accessibility
• Touch faucets are installed in the kitchen and bathrooms
• Complete patch and paint for Smart Home integration

Smart Home Technology Features:

• Voice and app-controlled lighting in the master bedroom and main living area
• Integrated audio system throughout the home
• Modernized HVAC system for comfort and efficiency
• Security camera system accessible remotely for added peace of mind

“It’s huge, what do you even say? It was always a dream of mine to own my home, to have it debt-free, and to have it paid off in an instant; it’s just overwhelming,” said Lowe. 

For more information and to support the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s mission to build smart homes for America’s heroes, visit T2T.org and consider donating just $11 per month.