On Veterans Day, Tunnel to Towers honors the men and women who served to protect our country
This Veterans Day, we honor the men and women who have worn the uniform to defend our nation’s freedoms.For United States Army Lieutenant Colonel Johanny Rodriguez, that commitment spanned more than two decades across two branches of the military.Remembering Johanny Rodriguez In September 1998, United States Army Lieutenant Colonel Johanny Rodriguez enlisted in the United States Marine Corps for better life opportunities.
After serving five years in the Marines, Johanny joined the United States Army.Over his career, Johanny became widely known among his peers for his dependability, steady leadership and deep compassion.While deployed to Kuwait supporting Operation Spartan Shield, military leadership asked Johanny to extend his service for another tour.
Recognizing the vital nature of the mission, Johanny accepted, backed fully by the unwavering support of his wife, Gisel, their four children, and their extended family.Tragically, Johanny did not make the journey home.Tunnel to Towers FoundationIn the wake of an unimaginable loss, Gisel suddenly faced the challenge of raising four children on a single income.That is when the Tunnel to Towers Foundation stepped forward.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation was founded in honor of FDNY Firefighter Stephen Siller, who gave his life saving other on September 11, 2001, and to honor all those who lost their lives that day.Since then, the Foundation has expanded its mission through national programs that provide mortgage-free homes to military and first responder families, build specially adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured heroes, combat veteran homelessness, provide educational scholarship, and teach future generations about Nine-Eleven.The Gold Star Family Home Program, part of the Foundation’s In the Line of Duty Programs, honors the legacy of those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country by providing mortgage-free homes to their surviving spouses and young children. “Having a mortg...