You have likely heard of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) charity established in December 2001 to honor FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, who tragically died during the 9/11 attacks. Many times you may have seen their television commercials featuring disabled veterans or first responders being assisted or granted housing, thanks to the foundation.
A Southaven veteran who lost both legs while fighting in the Iraq conflict is about to receive a new mortgage-free smart home when Tunnel to Towers presents William Brooks the keys on Wednesday, June 25 at 1 p.m. The home is located at 2228 May Blvd.
Brooks’ story is well-known in the Southaven community. A native, Brooks was born and raised in Southaven, and his family still lives locally. He joined the National Guard in 1999, inspired to serve by his grandfathers, who were World War II Veterans. Brooks was home when the world changed on Sept. 11th, 2001. That’s when terrorists flew into the Twin Towers in New York City.
“My mom woke me up, and I saw the second plane hit,” Brooks said. “I knew my number would be called, and I would go to war. I was angry, 19 years old, and ready to fight.”
He was called up in July 2004 for training at Camp Shelby and deployed to Iraq in January 2005. On March 29, 2005, he was driving in a convoy roughly 25 miles from his forward operating base to Baghdad when his vehicle hit an IED.
The blast blew the engine out of the Humvee, and Brooks lost both legs. His life was saved by fellow soldier, Sergeant Richard Anthony. Anthony had civilian EMT training, was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor and a meritorious promotion for saving Brooks’ life.
In recovery, Brooks flatlined twice and required 48 units of blood in 48 hours as doctors worked frantically to keep him alive. He would spend the next 13 months recovering at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., before medically retiring from the military.
He returned home and continued to serve by running for office in Southaven. Brooks was elected to the Board of Aldermen and served for 12 years.
Brooks said he is looking forward to being a homeowner.
“I’m living in a condo about a mile from where the home is being built,” Brooks said. “Tunnel to Towers is building me a forever home in my hometown. I’m looking forward to the kitchen, cooking, having room to store my pots and pans, room out back for a ceramic grill, and a smoker.”
Tunnel to Towers Foundation was co-founded and is currently led by Stephen’s brother, Frank Siller, operating out of Staten Island, NY.
Its name commemorates Stephen’s heroic final run through the tunnel toward the Twin Towers.
The foundation honors Stephen Siller’s legacy by providing practical, life-changing support—homes, community, education, and remembrance—to those who serve and sacrifice for the nation.
