Tunnel to Towers Foundation Surprises Veteran and Family with Mortgage-Free Smart Home at Seattle Mariners Game 

U.S. Army Specialist Tyler Wilson, Family Throw Out First Pitch as Foundation Continues To Remember 9/11 Anniversary with ‘Steel Across America’ Tour  

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON [July 17, 2026] — On Friday, July 17th, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s ‘Steel Across America’ tour visited T-Mobile Park for the Mariners-Giants baseball game in Seattle, Washington. 

For the twenty-fourth stop on a nationwide tour in honor of the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Steel Across America brought a steel beam recovered from the World Trade Center to Seattle, offering baseball fans and local visitors a rare opportunity to experience this powerful sacred artifact firsthand.  

At the game, U.S. Army Specialist Tyler Wilson and his family were brought onto the field to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. After the pitch, retired FDNY Lieutenant and Tunnel to Towers Foundation Board Member Tom O’Connor and Stephen Siller Jr. surprised Wilson and his family with a Tunnel to Towers Foundation key, representing a brand-new mortgage-free smart home custom built from the ground up to meet his every need. 

“This home is going to change our lives. I am beyond grateful to move through my own home comfortably and independently. Knowing that we will never have to worry about a mortgage means my family can finally exhale and focus on the things that matters most like raising our two sons,” said U.S. Army Specialist Tyler Wilson. “I joined the Army after September 11th because I never wanted to forget, and because I believed that answering that call was the most important thing I could do for my country. My wife was a firefighter in Colorado, so the Tunnel to Towers Foundation feels like home because they fight for people like us every single day.” 

Wilson, who was paralyzed after sustaining four gunshot wounds from Taliban forces during a rescue mission in Afghanistan, will now be able to live freely and comfortably in a home designed specifically for him, one that honors his sacrifice and gives his family the stability and peace they have earned. 

Before the game, Tom O’Connor led a ceremony emphasizing the importance of the steel beam as a symbol of remembrance. O’Connor presented a commemorative steel flag to Seattle PD Chief Shon Barnes and Seattle FD Chief Harold Scoggins, serving as a gesture of gratitude for the hospitality in hosting Steel Across America. Visitors were able to view the steel beam from the South Tower up close throughout the evening as well as hear and connect with first-hand stories of 9/11 from those who experienced it. 

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation was honored to bring the steel to Seattle and T-Mobile Park. T-Mobile is an official sponsor of the Foundation and the Steel Across America tour. As a strong supporter of the Foundation, T-Mobile has promised a $2 million multi-year commitment to support initiatives like scholarships for children of fallen heroes, as well as providing free service to eligible families. 

“Specialist Tyler Wilson’s story is one of extraordinary resilience, and we’re honored to celebrate him and his family,” said Mo Katibeh, Chief Marketing Officer, T-Mobile Business Group. “We’re committed to supporting the military and first responder communities in many ways. Whether we’re helping the Tunnel to Towers Foundation expand its impact for our nation’s heroes and their families or delivering advanced, mission-ready connectivity through T-Priority, we’re proud to use the full strength of T-Mobile to support the people who protect and serve our communities.”  

Baseball holds a special place in the story of how America, and the city of Seattle, healed after 9/11. On September 19, 2001, just eight days after the attacks, Mark McLemore and Mike Cameron carried a large American flag around the infield in a spontaneous, solemn procession that told a grieving country they would Never Forget.  

“Baseball has always been more than a game for this country, and nowhere was that more clear than in the days and weeks after September 11th, when the sport gave a grieving nation a reason to come together,” said Stephen Siller Jr. “Bringing the Steel Across America tour to T-Mobile Park and sharing this evening with our partners, the Seattle Mariners and with Specialist Wilson and his family is exactly what this tour is all about. It is about remembering, honoring, and showing up for the people who have given everything for this country.” 

The steel beam is an everlasting reminder of the selfless courage and service of first responders who gave their lives on September 11, 2001, including New York City firefighter Stephen Siller. Seattle, with its demonstrated commitment to Never Forget, was a perfect stop to bring a steal beam that was recovered by thousands of first responders who rushed to Ground Zero in the days following the attacks. The beam stands as a symbol of sacrifice, resilience, and our unbreakable spirit that emerged from tragedy.    

On Monday, July 23rd, Steel Across America will make its next official stop at the Utah State Capital in Salt Lake City, UT.