The Tunnel to Towers Foundation is honored to announce it has paid, in-full, the mortgages on the homes of 35 Gold Star families across the country, including the family of U.S. Army 1st Lieutenant Ivan Derek Lechowich in Valrico, FL.
1LT Lechowich was killed in the line of duty on September 28, 2011, when his vehicle drove over an IED in Afghanistan. Lechowich entered the service in 2009. He deployed to Afghanistan in April 2011.
Lechowich’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO ISAF Medal, Polish Forces Medal – Gold, Combat Action Badge, Sapper Tab, and German Armed Force Badge for Military Proficiency – Gold.
Lechowich is survived by his wife, Jennifer, and his daughter.
“This Veterans Day, we’re honoring the inspiring Americans who sprang into action to take the fight to our enemies and protect our homeland in the wake of September 11th. We’re eternally grateful to the fallen heroes of the Global War on Terror and their families who live every day with the reminder of the sacrifice of their loved one. As a small thank you to the Lechowichfamily, we’re paying off their mortgage, ensuring they’ll always have a place to call home,” said Tunnel to Towers CEO and Chairman Frank Siller.
The announcement was made during the Foundation’s Veterans Day name-reading ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. this morning.
The event is honoring the 7,070 military personnel who died in America’s military response to September 11, 2001. A live stream of the 8-hour ceremony is available on the Tunnel to Towers Facebook page.
On September 11, 2001, FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller laid down his life to save others when America was attacked. For 20 years, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation has honored Stephen’s legacy by supporting the heroes who continue to risk life and limb in the line of duty.
Tunnel to Towers provides mortgage-free smart homes to our nation’s catastrophically injured veterans and first responders, and mortgage-free homes or mortgage payoffs to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children.
This year the Tunnel to Towers Foundation promised to deliver 200 homes this year in honor of its 20th anniversary. By the end of the year, Tunnel to Towers will have delivered 450 homes across its programs.
Android Users, Click Here To Download The Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. It’s Free And Coming To Apple Users Soon
Support journalism by clicking here to our GoFundMe or sign up for our free newsletter by clicking here
- Drone Footage At Rittenhouse Trial Reveals Clearest Footage Yet Of Rosenbaum Shooting
- Trucking, Retail Groups Sue Biden Over Vaccine Mandate
- 1,300 Afghan Kids Were Brought To The US Without Their Parents
- Tampa Holiday Tradition Winter Village Returns With Outdoor Ice Rink And Tampa Bay Lightning Themed Fun
- Bret Michaels In Concert With Warrant, First Public Appearance In Florida In Two Years