Foundation to support local hero’s family

A foundation created to honor the memory of a 9/11 firefighter is pledging its support to a fallen Green Beret.

The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation announced Thursday that it plans to pay off the mortgage on the home of Idaho Falls native, Army Sgt. 1st Class Dustin Ard, who was killed on a military mission in Afghanistan.

The 31-year-old Ard was serving his third deployment to Afghanistan. He left behind his pregnant wife, Mary, and a young daughter, Reagan.

“Dustin and I have loved this house, and because of what you are doing, it has made a lot of my stress and burden go away. I have said throughout this journey that I wish I never had to learn how supportive and thoughtful people can be, but I am truly grateful. My husband worked so hard to provide for his family and I know he is grateful for people like you,” said Mary Ard.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation was established by Frank Siller, to honor the sacrifice of New York Fire Department firefighter Stephen Siller. He died while serving others during the 9/11 Twin Towers attack.
According to a news release, the Foundation “supports the families of those who paid the ultimate price while defending our freedom.”

The Foundation provides mortgage-free homes to surviving families with young children. To date, it has spent over $125 million to honor and support our first responders and veterans and their families.

“There is nothing that can replace the loss of Sgt. Ard, a husband, father, son, and American hero. I hope that this gift of a home will protect his family and serve as a lasting tribute to his service and sacrifice,” said Frank Siller, Chairman and CEO of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

The foundation said people can join the foundation’s mission by donating just $11 per month. You can find more information here.