9/11 Foundation Makes a Run at Providing Mortgage Free Homes to all Fallen and Severely injured Vets and First Responders

Photo by Patrick Emerson

Stephen Siller lived life a life of full purpose,, and it didn’t surprise his brothers when he opted out of a family golf outing on September 11, 2001. The call coming in, Stephen refused to let a closed Brooklyn Battery Tunnel impede his flight to ground zero either. The 34 year old firefighter strapped on his heavy gear and huffed his way to the rescue efforts. Unfortunately, Siller did not survive the day. Nonetheless, very little time passed before his family realized that they needed to honor Stephen’s memory. So by December, his six brothers and sisters got 501(c) designation for Tunnels to Towers and aimed to provide mortgage free homes for severely injured vets and families of fallen soldiers and first responders. But an appropriate signature event was needed, and the typical run or golf outing would not do, according to Stephen’s brother and Chairman/CEO Frank Siller.

The light bulb went off upon the brainstorm of one of Stephen’s friends. Army Sergean Billy Codd suggested the same life saving run through the tunnel. “When God shines a light on something, it’s so bright and so clear,” remembered Siller. “That was exactly what we needed to do.”

God wasn’t the one who needed to sign off, though. The Mayor, Office of Emergency Management, the Department of Transportation and Brooklyn Tunnel had to be willing to shut down the entire 1.7 mile route to ground zero.

Siller began with the DOT commissioner, and Stephen's heroics were all the hook that Bob Ademenco needed. “He gets up out of his chair, comes around the table and hugs me. We’re going to get this thing done,” Siller recounted the moment.

In turn, Ademenco immediately got on the phone with Bridge and Tunnel, and the hurdles were falling within the hour. Of course, word eventually got to Rudy Giuliani, and he initially said no.

But the commissioner of OEM put the ball in the mayor’s court. “You tell him no,” Siller conveyed Richard Sheirer's words, and five minutes later the mayor was onboard.

Rudy’s wholehearted blessing continues, and no matter the triumph, the Siller’s all still fall back on cherishing their fallen brother. A late surprise, said Siller, “He was our little miracle.”

Unfortunately, over the space of two years, both Siller parents died, and the loss for the eight year old shaped him for better and worse. Stephen learned that tomorrow is not guaranteed, and there was a lot of outrageous behavior, according to Frank Siller.

Thus, going full throttle became a necessity. Even so, anyone who met Stephen felt he was their best friend. “That’s how he made everyone feel,” said Siller

By age 19, though, the young man settled himself and decided only a life of purpose would do. He eventually joined the FDNY in 1994, and the trek through the tunnel was the ultimate reflection.

So with Stephen in mind, the foundation’s first order is obvious. “Before even helping any family, we make sure we never forget the sacrifices,” said Siller.

Therefore, 2500 West Point Cadets kickoff the run, and among the revelry, the crowd waves photos of the 7,000 plus service people who have died since September 11. The thousands of 9/11 families in attendance also add to the aura The most patriotic and unique run in America, said Siller, “We want to honor them all.”

The last Sunday in September is set aside, and 8,000 volunteers do their part. Either way, the aftermath leaves plenty of time to get down to business. “This isn’t just giving a family $10,000,” said Siller. “This is paying off their mortgage or building a mortgage free home.”

Nonetheless, families can still be at a loss - even when a loved one comes home. Amputees and other severely injured vets are also among those served. But fully realizing the impact four walls could actually have was left again to divine intervention. “John Ponte - he’s one of the miracles that happened to this foundation,” said Siller of their 2010 introduction.

A construction professional, he took part in the the first build, and quadruple amputee Army Specialist Brendan Marrocco’s was the recipient. From the same hometown as Marrocco, Ponte led the effort to specialize the home to Brendan’s disability. “John does smart technology,” said Siller, and gaining a secure foothold tied to a touchscreen.

iPad control allowed him to turn on the stove, open and close lights, doors and shades, raise and lower counters and cupboards, control the environment and even do laundry. “All these things we put in so they don’t have to ask somebody else to help them,” said Siller, and over a hundred smart homes have now been built,

At the same time, common sense also applies to the layout. All rugs are removed, hallways are widened and each bathroom is enlarged and fitted with benches and bars. “Who wants to ask someone to take care of them in the bathroom,” Siller asks.

The answer obvious, the first build also paved the way on another important front. Marrocco initially hesitated, because he wasn’t sure where he wanted to live. So Frank quickly ameliorated the concern. “We want to build you a home wherever you want to live,” said Siller, and that has remained the promise.

The Staten Island home base certainly doesn’t hamper their efforts, and to date, have run will travel. There are 70 Stephen Siller runs taking place throughout the spring, and about 8,000 volunteers ready the starting blocks.

Nineteen years later, the nationwide cascade has Siller believing big. “We’re going to be able to take care of every Gold Star Family that has a family left behind - everyone one,” he asserted.

Siller believes several years will do the trick, but Tunnel to Towers is counting on us to shorten the wait. “The goodness of America had better take care of the greatness of America, because the greatness of America are those who are willing to die for you and me,” he concluded.