Tunnels to Towers Foundation

September 01, 2022

Tunnels to Towers Foundation

Mission - “The Tunnel to Towers Foundation honors the sacrifice of firefighter Stephen Siller as well as all military and first responders who continue to make the supreme sacrifice of life and limb for our country.

On September 11, 2001, Stephen, who was assigned to Brooklyn’s Squad 1, had just finished his shift and was on his way to play golf with his brothers when he got word over his scanner of a plane hitting the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Upon hearing the news, Stephen called his wife Sally and asked her to tell his brothers he would catch up with them later. He returned to Squad 1 to get his gear.

Stephen drove his truck to the entrance of the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, but it had already been closed for security purposes. Determined to carry out his duty, he strapped 60 lbs. of gear to his back, and raced on foot through the tunnel to the Twin Towers, where he gave up his life while saving others.

Stephen had everything to live for; a great wife, five wonderful children, a devoted extended family, and friends. Stephen’s parents were lay Franciscans and he grew up under the guiding philosophy of St. Francis of Assisi, whose encouraging and inspirational phrase “while we have time, let us do good” were words that Stephen lived by. Stephen’s life and heroic death serve as a reminder to us all to live life to the fullest and to spend our time here on earth doing good – this is his legacy.

Since 9/11, they have been helping America's heroes by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children and by building custom-designed smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. They are committed to eradicating veteran homelessness and aiding the victims of major U.S. disasters.

You can find out more about Tunnel to Towers Foundation att2t.org or their social accounts@tunnel2towers.


Also in Ascend Together Initiative

Sailing with Purpose
Sailing with Purpose

February 15, 2023

The sea is a powerful and mysterious entity, with the ability to both heal and challenge us. For veterans and first responders living with post-traumatic stress, it can offer a unique form of therapy known as adventure therapy. Skeleton Crew Adventures, a nonprofit dedicated to providing veterans and first responders with opportunities to heal and grow through the sea, recently took the Terra Arma team on a sailing trip in Galveston, Texas to better understand the impact of adventure therapy on those living with PTSD.

Respect Camp: Christian Meyers & The 7x Human Performance Project
Respect Camp: Christian Meyers & The 7x Human Performance Project

February 07, 2023

The Human Performance Project is a groundbreaking research initiative aimed at unlocking the full potential of the human body and mind, with a focus on combat veterans, first responders, and individuals dealing with trauma. Led by former Navy SEAL sniper Ryan Parrott and a team of medical professionals, the project launches with its first mission, the 7X TOUR. This journey takes participants on a challenging 7-day trip around the world, across 7 continents, with 7 physically demanding tasks.
A Journey of Respect
A Journey of Respect

February 07, 2023

With this blog we launch our Respect Campaign, where we will highlight the stories of individuals who have faced hardship, overcome challenges, and achieved greatness through their hard work and determination. These individuals serve as inspiration for us all, and demonstrate the transformative power of respect in action.