Russell family
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation is honored to announce it has paid off the mortgage on the McKenzie, Tennessee home of Tennessee Highway Patrol Sergeant Harold Lee Russell II and the Jasper, Tennessee, Marion County Sheriff’s Department Detective Matthew Blansett.
Sgt. Russell and Detective Blansett died in a helicopter crash on Aug. 23, 2022. He served with the Tennessee Highway Patrol for over a decade and served in the Special Ops Aviation Unit. He left behind his wife, Mandi, a son, and a daughter.
“Our lives have been forever changed, but the generosity of Tunnel to Towers has allowed our home to be a constant. To know that our home is paid for, and we don't have to move, is surreal. Without Tunnel to Towers we could not have afforded to remain in the same house,” wrote Mandi Russell.
Detective Blansett left behind his wife, Codie, and their two sons.
“Our family built our home together in Jasper, Tennessee. Without the help from Tunnels to Towers there would be no way the boys and I could keep our home. Although we will never get over the loss of Matt, Tunnel to Towers has allowed me to continue to raise my boys in their home like Matt would have wanted,” said Codie Blansett.
The Tunnel to Towers Fallen First Responder Home Program pays off the mortgages for the families of law enforcement officers and firefighters who are killed in the line of duty, pass away from 9/11-related illnesses, and leave behind young children.
This Independence Day, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation delivered over 30 mortgage payoffs to Gold Star families and fallen first responder families nationwide.
“July 4th is a day we celebrate America’s freedom with barbeques, beach days and fireworks. All things we can enjoy because of our brave first responders and military members who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. Today we honor the memory of those heroes who gave up their lives by ensuring the families they left behind can stay in their homes,” said Frank Siller, chairman and CEO of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. "Join us on our mission to provide mortgage-free homes to Fallen First Responder Families by donating $11 per month at T2T.org."
Blansett family