U.S. Army 1st Sgt. John "Mike" Fairfax thought he was just getting a home makeover, but the Tunnel to Towers Foundation surprised him by paying off his entire mortgage as well.
"Truthfully, there are no words to describe how this feels. All I can say is that it is a great blessing and my heart is full of gratitude for everyone at Tunnel to Towers," Fairfax said.
Fairfax lost his leg in 2005 and sustained other injuries when an improvised explosive device (IED) struck his patrol during his third deployment to Afghanistan.
The home renovations include an ADA-compliant kitchen, bathroom, a reconfigured laundry room, automatic doors with push-button operation, and a lift from the garage to the main floor, among other modifications.
Now retired from the military, Fairfax is pursuing a Master of Divinity in Preaching and Pastoral Ministry at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
"For the past couple of years, I have wanted to quit my job so that I can transition to working in ministry....Tunnel to Towers paying my mortgage will allow me to make that transition because I won't have to worry about paying my mortgage," Fairfax said.
The home rededication was part of Tunnel to Towers' annual effort to deliver 50 mortgage-free homes to America's heroes in the 24 days leading up to Christmas Eve.
"Delivering a renovated smart home that restores independence to 1st Sgt. Fairfax is the very least we can do for a man who has given so much to this country," said Frank Siller, Chairman and CEO of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. "His determination to return to duty after devastating injuries is nothing short of remarkable, and we are honored to support his next chapter as a spiritual leader."
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