New York Jets owner Woody Johnson is set to be recognized at Tunnel to Towers’ annual gala this December. The award, called the Follow the Footsteps Award, celebrates Johnson’s ten‑plus years of partnership with the nonprofit that was founded after the September 11 attacks to aid first responders, veterans and their families.
Decade‑long commitment to veterans and first‑responder families
Johnson’s relationship with Tunnel to Towers began in 2014 when he contributed $1 million to the organization’s Building for America’s Bravest program. That initiative funds mortgage‑free, smart homes for severely injured service members. Since then, the former U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom has continued to support the group’s mission, helping six catastrophically injured veterans move into specially adapted homes and assisting countless first‑responder families across the country.
“Tunnel to Towers’ extraordinary work is a constant reminder of the importance of honoring the memory of the heroes who demonstrated courage and made the ultimate sacrifice for this country,” Johnson told Fox News Digital. “Over the past two decades they have channeled grief into action, and it’s a privilege to be recognized by such an honorable group.”
Recent highlights of the partnership
Last month, Johnson and Tunnel to Towers surprised Command Sergeant Major William “Bud” McElroy with a brand‑new mortgage‑free smart home, underscoring the tangible impact of their collaboration. Frank Siller, Tunnel to Towers chairman and CEO, praised Johnson’s generosity, noting that he “has been standing with our families for more than a decade, and he’s never once asked for anything in return.”
“Because of Woody, his family, and the Betty Wood Johnson Foundation, six catastrophically injured veterans are living in specially adapted smart homes today, and first‑responder families across this country are keeping their homes,” Siller added. “My brother Stephen ran toward people who needed him without asking what it would cost him — Woody has been doing the same thing for twelve years. There’s no one more deserving of the Follow the Footsteps Award.”
Why the award matters
The Follow the Footsteps Award honors individuals who embody the spirit of service and sacrifice that defines the organization’s founders. By highlighting Johnson’s contributions, the gala not only celebrates a private citizen’s dedication but also reinforces the broader message that America’s strongest communities are built on faith, family, and liberty.
Tunnel to Towers continues its mission to provide mortgage‑free smart homes to disabled servicemen and to offer housing solutions for homeless veterans. The nonprofit’s work aligns with the values of traditional families and the Christian ethic of caring for those who have given so much for the nation.
Looking ahead
As the gala approaches, organizers anticipate a gathering of veterans, first‑responder families, community leaders and supporters from across the country. The event will serve as a reminder that private philanthropy, when paired with a commitment to constitutional freedoms and family values, can make a lasting difference in the lives of America’s heroes.
Johnson’s ongoing partnership with Tunnel to Towers exemplifies how business leaders can use their resources to uplift the nation’s most vulnerable citizens, reinforcing the principle that a strong country is built on the generosity of its citizens and the steadfast support of its faith‑centered communities.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
