Army Pvt. E-2 Thomas Brennan died in 2024 after a years-long battle with cancer linked to toxic exposure during his service.
SYLVANIA, Ohio — The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage for a Gold Star family in Sylvania in honor of Veterans Day, the foundation announced Tuesday.
Army Pvt. E-2 Thomas Brennan, who served as a gunner and loader in the U.S. Army, enlisted in 1990 at age 17 with his father’s permission. He served two years, including a deployment to Germany during the Gulf War. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation says he earned several honors, including the Army Achievement Medal, Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal and the Overseas Service Ribbon. He was honorably discharged because of a knee injury.
The foundation says after leaving the military, Brennan was diagnosed with multiple myeloma at 36, a cancer linked to toxic exposure during his service. Brennan battled chronic pain, broken bones, tumors and hospital stays for nearly 16 years while remaining active in his community and family life.
“He continued to lead our family,” his wife, Whitney Brennan, said. “In the last year of his life, he helped our daughter, Reese, raise $90,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Together, they also advocated for veterans, raising awareness about the PACT Act.”
Brennan died Sept. 27, 2024, and is survived by Whitney and their two children.
“When I got the call from T2T, I recall I started crying immediately. I could barely speak to say thank you,” Whitney said. “Tom took great honor in taking care of his family. He would have been so thankful that someone was looking out for us even after his death.
“To know I have this beautiful home where we raised our kids together forever is the greatest gift. My heart is so full. Tunnel to Towers gave us time to breathe, heal, and figure out what life looks like without Tom here,” she added.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation, through its Gold Star Family Home Program, provides mortgage-free homes to surviving spouses with young children.
“This Veterans Day, we honor all who have served our country,” Tunnel to Towers chairman and CEO, Frank Siller, said. “Private Brennan’s story is a reminder that the risks our service members face often last long after the battlefield. I know ensuring they can stay in their home will provide some stability as they mourn the tremendous loss of a husband and father.”
Whitney said receiving the support near Veterans Day made the gift even more meaningful.
“Veterans Day was always a big day in our house to celebrate Tom,” she said. “To know I have this beautiful home where we raised our kids together forever is the greatest gift.”
This article was published by Troy Gingerich (WTOL) on 2025-11-11 11:57:00
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