Louisville, Kentucky, December 19, 2025
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage for the family of U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Orin Dunham Jr., supporting a Gold Star family in Louisville, Kentucky. This initiative is part of the foundation’s ‘Season of Hope,’ which aims to provide stability and security to military and first-responder families during the holidays by delivering mortgage-free homes. Sgt. Dunham Jr., who served 26 years in the Army, passed away in 2020. His family expresses deep gratitude for this support during a challenging time.
Louisville, Kentucky
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage for the family of U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Orin Dunham Jr., a Gold Star family in Kentucky.
This gesture is part of the foundation’s annual “Season of Hope,” which aims to provide stability and security to military and first-responder families during the holidays. Between December 1 and December 24, the foundation plans to deliver 50 mortgage-free homes to families across the country.
Sgt. Dunham Jr. enlisted in the Army on October 15, 1986, and served for 26 years, earning numerous awards, including the Bronze Star Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal. He passed away in July 2020 from a heart attack related to service-connected hypertensive cardiovascular disease. He is survived by his wife, Sherrise Dunham, and their children, Dominique and Denzel, as well as his stepson, Bryan.
Sherrise Dunham expressed her gratitude upon learning that the mortgage on their home had been paid off, stating that it was a blessing to have people who have never met her, her children, or their fallen hero step in to handle such a significant financial burden.
Frank Siller, chairman and CEO of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, emphasized the organization’s commitment to honoring the memory of Sgt. Dunham Jr. by supporting his family, ensuring that his service to the nation is not forgotten.
In total, more than 200 mortgage-free homes were delivered by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in 2025, underscoring its dedication to supporting the families of fallen military personnel and first responders.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Tunnel to Towers Foundation?
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to honoring the sacrifice of FDNY Firefighter Stephen Siller, who laid down his life to save others on September 11, 2001. The foundation supports military members and first responders who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star families and fallen first responder families with young children. It also builds specially adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders.
What is the “Season of Hope” program?
The “Season of Hope” is an annual initiative by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation aimed at providing stability and security to military and first-responder families during the holidays. Between December 1 and December 24, the foundation delivers mortgage-free homes to families across the country. In 2025, the foundation plans to deliver 50 mortgage-free homes as part of this program.
Who was U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Orin Dunham Jr.?
Sgt. Dunham Jr. enlisted in the Army on October 15, 1986, and served for 26 years, earning numerous awards, including the Bronze Star Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal. He passed away in July 2020 from a heart attack related to service-connected hypertensive cardiovascular disease. He is survived by his wife, Sherrise Dunham, and their children, Dominique and Denzel, as well as his stepson, Bryan.
How many mortgage-free homes did the Tunnel to Towers Foundation deliver in 2025?
In total, more than 200 mortgage-free homes were delivered by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in 2025, underscoring its dedication to supporting the families of fallen military personnel and first responders.
Key Features of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s Support
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Mortgage-Free Homes | The foundation provides mortgage-free homes to Gold Star families and fallen first responder families with young children, ensuring they have a stable and secure living environment. |
| Season of Hope | An annual initiative delivering mortgage-free homes to military and first-responder families during the holidays, with 50 homes planned for December 2025. |
| Support for Injured Veterans and First Responders | The foundation builds specially adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders, helping them regain independence. |
| Comprehensive Support | Beyond housing, the foundation offers various programs to support the families of fallen heroes, including financial assistance and community resources. |
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