Tunnel to Towers

When Susan Jacquart, the manager of our Ashley HomeStore in Woodbury, MN, first learned of an opportunity to help US Army Specialist John Mullen, his wife Sarah, and their young children, she knew that we had to help. This project was something special; a custom-built, mortgage-free, Smart Home with a need for furnishings.

"At the heart of what we do is a strong sense of service and philanthropy," said Jacquart. "This project provided our entire team with an opportunity to share our time, talent and resources to help turn this house into a new home for a remarkable hero and his young family. We were honored to show our appreciation in this way."

While on foot patrol in 2011 in Afghanistan, Specialist Mullen’s platoon came under fire. During the exchange, SPC Mullen stepped on a pressure plate IED. He instantly lost both legs below the knee, shattered his right arm, and suffered nerve damage that left him with partial function in his right hand. When it learned of the family’s daily challenges with apartment living, the national Tunnel to Towers Foundation reached out to Jacquart and she immediately offered to join the cause.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation began in 2001 to honor first responders who gave their lives on 9/11. Nearly two decades later, the organization has provided more than 250 mortgage free homes to families of fallen first responders and military throughout the United States.