Tunnel to Towers Foundation Pays Off Mortgage and Renovates Injured USMC Corporal’s Houston Home
USMC Corporal Nathaniel Kemnitz was injured while deployed to Iraq in 2004
HOUSTON, TEXAS [April 30, 2025] — In a private ceremony, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation welcomed USMC Corporal Nathaniel Kemnitz into his renovated mortgage-free smart home in Houston, Texas.
Cpl Kemnitz was born and raised in Houston and spent his childhood enjoying outdoor adventures and camping trips. After the terror attacks on September 11, 2001, Cpl Kemnitz felt a deep calling to serve his country and enlisted in the Marine Corps in June 2003. He served as a Corporal in the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, Weapons Company, and was deployed to Fallujah, Iraq.
On August 21, 2004, while on a routine patrol, an IED detonated, leaving Cpl Kemnitz injured and claiming the life of one of his fellow Marines. The blast caused permanent damage to his right eye and destroyed his right arm, shoulder, and hand. Over the next two and a half years, Cpl Kemnitz endured more than 25 surgeries.
So many veterans return from the battlefield with both physical and emotional scars. Cpl Kemnitz’s recovery was grueling, but after seeking help in 2011 for PTSD, he began to rebuild his life and find purpose again.
“I spent many years being resentful of my injuries from war. This did nothing for me and pushed everyone away. After I accepted help, a whole new world opened for me. I am so thankful for everyone who helped me along the way,” said Cpl Nathaniel Kemnitz.
He married his wife, Brittany, in 2020, and they now share a beautiful life with their daughter, Charlotte. Cpl Kemnitz now dedicates his life to helping fellow veterans and Texans. 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.
The most extensive renovation on Cpl Kemnitz’s home was the kitchen. The remodel includes specific handles that Cpl Kemnitz can use more easily and touch faucets. In addition, new walkways and a carport were installed. A ramp and new enhanced lighting were added to the main access point to the home. All Tunnel to Towers smart homes are custom-fit with innovative technology, allowing users to remotely control the thermostat, lights, sound system, and security system via an app. A generator is also installed in each smart home to ensure the families are never without power.
“The kitchen remodel allows me to help Brittany cook and wash dishes with one hand. The automatic doors are also a huge help with getting Charlotte in and out of the house without me having to make multiple trips. The generator is huge for us as well. Just last year, we were without power for almost three weeks. The financial freedom that T2T has given us creates a stress-free environment where we can focus on what really matters,” said Cpl Kemnitz.
To support the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s mission to provide mortgage-free smart homes to America’s heroes, go to T2T.org and donate just $11 per month.
Media Contacts:
- Trevor Tamsen – Trevor.Tamsen@t2t.org
- Monica Allen – Monica.Allen@T2T.org
About the Tunnel to Towers Foundation
Born from the tragedy of 9/11, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation carries out its mission to “do good,” by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children and by building specially adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. Tunnel to Towers is also committed to eradicating veteran homelessness and helping America Never Forget September 11, 2001.
Visit T2T.org to learn more and follow Tunnel to Towers on Facebook, X, and Instagram.