Tunnel to Towers Foundation Welcomes Injured Air Force Veteran into new Mortgage-Free Smart Home

Home Dedication Ceremony – August 14, at 11:00 AM for USAF TSgt Jesse Clark

TOOELE, UTAH [August 14, 2024] — On August 14, at 11:00 AM join us in Tooele, Utah as the Tunnel to Towers Foundation hands over the keys to a new, mortgage-free, smart home to injured USAF Technical Sergeant Jesse Clark. 

TSgt Clark enlisted in the Air Force in 1985 to see the world. He served his country for over two decades deploying for Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield. He left the Air Force in the 90’s and continued to serve in the Air Force Reserves. When America was attacked on September 11th, he decided to re-enlist and serve another overseas deployment as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. 

He earned four Joint Meritorious Medals for his bravery in combat. 

In late 2011, TSgt Clark was diagnosed with a brain tumor linked to chemical exposure during the Gulf War. In early 2012 while undergoing surgery to treat the tumor, he suffered a stroke, which left him in a coma, paralyzed on the left side of his body, legally blind, wheelchair-bound, suffering from memory loss, and other health issues. 

He would spend days in a coma, three months in the hospital, and two years in a rehab center as he recovered. He medically retired from the Air Force in April of 2012. 

He currently lives with his wife of 36 years, Rebecca, and their son, Skyler, who both serve as caretakers. He lives in a fourth-floor apartment in Tooele, making getting around his home nearly impossible, and getting outside time-consuming and difficult. 

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation built this American hero a new smart home just minutes from his current home, which will keep him in the community he calls home, and help him live more independently. “I am looking forward to being in a home I can move around in, a home where Rebecca doesn’t have to move things for me to come into the living room. I cannot wait to be in a home where I can come and go when I want,” said TSgt Clark.

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.

TSgt Clark’s home is built to be completely accessible, with zero thresholds, motorized doors, and keyless entry to make it easier for him to get into and out of his house. 

The home’s lights, temperature, security, and sound system, can be controlled remotely via a smartphone app, or the touch screens throughout the house.