LANCE CPL. MICHAEL SMITH JR.

FOLLANSBEE – This Veterans Day, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage for the family of United States Marine Corps Lance Corporal Michael Smith Jr., a Follansbee native who was killed during combat operations in Al Anbar Province, Iraq, on April 17, 2004.

Smith left behind his wife, Alicia, and their two children, who can now remain in their home without ever having to make another mortgage payment.

“I always thought that others deserved this more than I did, but things changed, and I was no longer able to keep up,” said Alicia Smith. “I was afraid every day that I would lose my house. Now, I know that my family will always have a home.”

Fueled by a desire to contribute to a greater purpose and inspired by his father, a military veteran and state trooper, Michael Smith enlisted before his 18th birthday, officially joining the Marine Corps after graduating from high school in 2001.

He met Alicia in fifth grade, when she moved to town from Indiana. At the time, he told his friends without hesitation that he was going to marry her, and he did.

The couple built a life together and had two children. With Tunnel to Towers’ support, their home in Follansbee will always be a lasting tribute to the love, service, and sacrifice of their husband and father.

Receiving Tunnel to Towers support in honor of Veterans Day holds a deep meaning for Alicia Smith and her family.

“I come from a long line of veterans,” she said. “Being part of a military family is an honor every single day. Losing my husband turned my world upside down, and nothing will ever bring him back, but knowing that there are people who want to help is truly a breath of fresh air.”

Alicia Smith continues to serve her community in West Virginia. She coordinates military shipments supporting active-duty service members and volunteers with her local American Legion, where she helps honor veterans and assist local families.

“This Veterans Day, we honor all who have served, and those heroes who laid down their lives in service to our country,” said Frank Siller, Chairman and CEO of Tunnel to Towers Foundation. “Tunnel to Towers is proud to take care of Alicia and family, in honor of their lost loved ones’ service and sacrifice to our country.”

The Tunnel to Towers Gold Star Family Home Program honors the legacy of those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. The Foundation provides a mortgage-free home to surviving spouses with young children.