Helping a Hero in collaboration with Lennar Homes and community leaders will host a groundbreaking ceremony for the new specially adapted home designed for Army Sergeant Tanner House on October 1, 2024 at 10:00 AM. The groundbreaking ceremony will be held at Armed Forces Tribute at Parque del Rio in Sahuarita, AZ.

Born in Glendale, Arizona, Army Sergeant Tanner House grew up inspired by the military service of his family, including his grandfather, uncles, and cousins. Determined to follow in their footsteps, Tanner joined the U.S. Army at 18 as a Motor Transport Operator. He completed Airborne School and was assigned to the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), later deploying to Afghanistan with the 10th Special Forces Group in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel.

During a resupply mission in Afghanistan, Tanner’s life took a tragic turn when a loading accident aboard a CH-47 Chinook helicopter severely crushed his lower spine. After multiple spinal surgeries and a long rehabilitation journey, he was medically discharged in 2018. His post-military journey has been marked by resilience. Though at times he faced homelessness and feelings of lost purpose, Tanner has dedicated himself to helping fellow veterans heal, taking them on outdoor adventures like camping and fishing to foster community and positive experiences.

Helping a Hero is working closely with Lennar Tucson to design a three-bedroom, two-bath wheelchair-accessible home tailored to meet Sergeant House’s mobility needs. With surgeries likely to continue and mobility becoming more challenging, this adaptive home will allow him to live independently and safely. The home will include features such as wider doorways, a roll-in shower, and other accessible spaces to ease daily life as Tanner navigates his future.

“This home is a dream come true,” said Tanner House. “It will allow me to live independently, without the constant worry of physical obstacles. It’s proof that people care and want to support veterans like me as we heal and rebuild our lives.”

"Even after difficult trials and injury, Tanner exemplifies resilience," stated Meredith Iler, founder of Helping a Hero. “By awarding these homes to deserving patriots we can express our profound gratitude to those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom and to reaffirm our commitment to supporting them by providing adapted housing to support their journey towards independence and empowerment."

This home will be the second home in Arizona by Lennar as part of the Helping a Hero 100 Homes Challenge launched by Johnny Morris, founder and lead outfitter of Bass Pro Shops. In 2023, SSG Brent Bretz, USA (Ret), a double amputee, received an adapted Lennar home in Gilbert, Arizona as part of the Helping a Hero 100 Homes Challenge. 

WHO· 

SGT Tanner House, USA (Ret)-- Tucson Home Recipient, Honoree

SGT Tim Stroud, USA (Ret) – Sr VP, Outreach--Helping a Hero

SSG Brent Bretz, USA (Ret) – Helping a Hero Home Recipient (Gilbert, AZ) and Founder, Patryot Project Foundation

SSG Ross Cox, USA (Ret) - HAH Home Recipient and Nominator of SGT Tanner House

Meredith Iler- Founder, HelpingaHero.org Home Program

Congressman Juan Ciscomani - AZ District 6 - US House

Mayor Tom Murphy - Sahuarita, Arizona

Jeremy Sharpe - Owner/Developer – Rancho Sahuarita 

Thomas Gansheimer - Division President – Lennar Tucson

The groundbreaking ceremony represents a celebration of community support and generosity, highlighting the importance of accessible housing for wounded veterans and their families. The local community is encouraged to nominate additional wounded warriors who need an adapted home. The nomination form for the 100 Homes Challenge may be found at http://www.HelpingAHero.org.

ABOUT HELPING A HERO:
Helping A Hero is one of the top national charities building specially adapted homes for qualifying service members through partnerships with builders, suppliers, patriots, and veterans. Helping a Hero strives to engage the community in providing services and resources for our wounded heroes and their families. Additionally, Helping A Hero provides support programs such as marriage retreats, caregiver retreats, recreational activities, and emergency needs grants.

JOIN THE 100 HOMES CHALLENGE: Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops and noted conservationist, has pledged 25% of the cost of the next 100 Homes and invites the American people and companies alike to join him in the 100 Homes Challenge. The public is invited to “Nominate a Hero,” wounded heroes needing adaptive housing from the post 9-11 Global War on Terror are invited to complete our “Home Application.” Both forms are available on our website to be completed online at helpingahero.org.