Tunnel to Towers Foundation to Dedicate Mortgage-Free Homes to Injured First Responder and Gold Star Family

Double Ceremony at Let Us Do Good Village Honors Lieutenant Michael Wessel and the Family of Colonel Thomas George Falzarano, USAF

LAND O’ LAKES, FL [June 18, 2025] – The Tunnel to Towers Foundation will welcome two deserving families home on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, with dedication ceremonies for Lake Villa Fire Protection District Lieutenant Michael Wessel, who faces catastrophic medical challenges, and the family of United States Air Force Colonel Thomas George Falzarano who gave his life in service to our nation.

Lieutenant Wessel’s story exemplifies the challenges faced by first responders. After dedicating his life to protecting others, a series of medical complications has left him with Adhesive Arachnoiditis, a rare and progressive spinal condition that has dramatically impacted his mobility and quality of life. Despite facing debilitating pain and the end of his firefighting career, Lt. Wessel continues to serve as a Chaplain with the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.

Colonel Thomas Falzarano served 26 distinguished years in the U.S. Air Force, rising to Wing Commander of the 21st Space Wing at Peterson AFB, before his unexpected passing in May 2020. He leaves behind his wife, Stacey, and five children. Stacey previously served the military community as the US Space Force representative on the USAF Survivors Advocacy Council at the Pentagon.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation recognizes that our heroes and their families deserve our unwavering support. These mortgage-free homes provide both families with the stability and features necessary to face their challenges with dignity.

The Let Us Do Good Village is a unique community that will consist of nearly 100 homes, provided mortgage-free, to catastrophically injured veterans and first responders, as well as Gold Star and Fallen First Responder families. The Village features accessible design throughout, creating an ideal support community.