Groundbreaking Ceremony for Specially Adapted Home for Arizona Veteran

 

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.

Back-to-School: Southwest Gas Partners with Schools, Colleges, and Nonprofits to Open Doors for the Next Generation

September 9, 2026
Programs help students build skills, explore careers, and prepare for the future PHOENIX — Across Southwest Gas’ service territory in Arizona, the company and the Southwest Gas Foundation are partnering with schools, colleges, and nonprofit organizations to support students through essential resources, hands-on learning, safety education, mentorship, scholarships, and career training. “Our employees live and work in the communities we serve, so supporting local schools and programs is personal to us,” said Justin Brown, President and CEO of Southwest Gas. “By working alongside trusted partners, we can help students feel better prepared, explore their interests, and see greater possibilities for their future.” Programs and partnerships across Southwest Gas’ service territory in Arizona include: · Arizona Educational Foundation’s (AEF) teachSTEM Program Since 2024, the Southwest Gas Foundation has supported the AEF’s teachSTEM program. The program provides educators with hands-on STEM training, resources, and mentorship, while inspiring students to explore and pursue STEM careers. The program has reached more than 5,000 students, 78% of whom attend Title I schools. · Energy Safe Kids with the National Energy Foundation (NEF) For nearly 30 years, Southwest Gas has partnered with the NEF to promote energy education and safety awareness in schools. Through the Energy Safe Kids program, elementary and middle school teachers receive curriculum that helps students recognize and respond to a suspected natural gas leak, identify natural gas appliances and pipeline markers, and understand the importance of calling 811 before digging. Last year, 130 schools throughout Southwest Gas’ service territory used the program. · Girls in STEM at the Arizona Science Center The Southwest Gas Foundation has supported the Arizona Science Center’s Girls in STEM program since 2021. This initiative introduces girls in grades 4-8 to science and engineering through hands-on activities and mentorship. These experiences help students explore STEM concepts and envision careers in the field. · Natural Gas Program at Estrella Mountain Community College Southwest Gas partners with Estrella Mountain Community College on a hands-on Natural Gas Program that introduces students to careers in the utility and construction industries. Courses taught by current Southwest Gas employees provide experience with tools and safety practices used in the field. · Share the Spirit Shoes for Kids With the support of a $5,000 contribution from the Southwest Gas Foundation, Southwest Gas employees partnered with the Share the Spirit Foundation to provide 90 students from Title I schools with new shoes and socks during the Shoes for Kids event on August 28. As part of the Company’s volunteer program BLUE (Building Lives Up Everywhere), Southwest Gas employees served as personal shoppers, helping the students select new shoes that fit comfortably and help boost their confidence as they begin the school year. · Summer Internship Program Southwest Gas offers a paid Summer Internship Program for currently enrolled college and university students across the U.S. The 10-week program offers hands-on experience and professional development opportunities across a variety of business functions. Applications are open from January through April, with the program starting in June. Last year, more than 2,900 students from across the country applied for the internship program. Together, these collaborative efforts help open doors for opportunity and reflect Southwest Gas’ long-standing commitment to enriching lives and strengthening communities. For more information about Southwest Gas and its community partnerships, visit www.swgas.com/community. About Southwest Gas Southwest Gas Corporation is a dynamic energy company committed to exceeding the expectations of our over two million customers throughout Arizona, California, and Nevada by providing safe, reliable, and affordable service while pursuing innovative sustainable energy solutions to fuel the growth in its communities. For more information about how Southwest Gas is supporting a sustainable energy future, please visit www.swgas.com. About The Southwest Gas Foundation The Southwest Gas Foundation has spent six decades partnering with 501(c)(3) organizations to open doors of opportunities, provide support in times of need, and create a legacy of impact that benefits generations to come. Funded by shareholders, the Foundation is committed to enriching lives and strengthening communities. For more information, please visit www.swgas.com/community.
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