Military Branch: United States Army
Location: New Hampshire
Build Completion: May 2019

U.S. Army Sergeant Tom Block graduated high school from Waseca High School in Waseca, MN in 2005. He attended Minnesota State University at Mankato where he wrestled for 4 years and had the pleasure of meeting Jared while attending his training camp. Shortly after his wrestling career, he joined the army as a Ranger with the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, where he was severely wounded by an improvised explosive device (IED) suicide vest while on his fourth combat rotation on October 6, 2013. Block was part of a joint task force that prevented a high-profile suicide bombing attack in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. Block was injured when the bomber detonated herself approximately 10ft from the assault force.

Sgt. Block lost his right eye and most of his vision in the other, in addition to withstanding severe leg injuries and shrapnel wounds across his body as because of the explosion. He has undergone approximately 15 surgeries, but despite his injuries, he has remained upbeat and undeterred, enduring grueling recovery and rehabilitation to defy doctors’ expectations. He still has quite a few surgeries to go, but thanks to his determination and positive attitude, the Army Times named him Solider of the Year in 2014, citing his perseverance and ability to motivate others as key factors in the decision.

Jared Allen’s Homes for Wounded Warriors is proud to team up with the Army Ranger Lead the Way Fund and the United Brotherhood of Carpenters to provide Sgt. Block with a 100-percent accessible home, built specifically for Sgt. Block’s needs.

MEDIA COVERAGE

VIDEOS

Extended Interview with Sergeant Block of Fort Benning

Event Photos

Military Branch: United States Army
Location: Nevada
Build Completion: September 29, 2020

While stationed in Iraq in 2007, Specialist Tingle was struck by three motor rounds causing severe injuries to his feet and ankles. Daniel has just come back from a patrol mission and was getting his vehicle serviced. The motor rounds, started hitting, and he ducked into his vehicle. When he thought there was a break he jumped out and ran to the bunker, which is when he was injured. However, it was a good call due to his vehicle being hit as well, in the second round of motor rounds that where hitting. Two on the left side, which took out the middle section of his left foot, and one on the right side which left shrapnel in his right foot, ankle, and leg.

As a result of his injuries, life-saving surgery was necessary, and SPC Tingle was immediately transported to Baghdad and then to Germany for surgeries to treat the wounds to his feet. SPC Tingle was then moved to Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio for further treatment. Here, doctors attempted an experimental surgery using bone and skin from his hip and leg to rebuild his injured left foot.

After months in the hospital and in physical therapy, SPC Tingle was able to walk on his rebuilt foot. Unfortunately, this didn’t last and years later, the constant pain became too unbearable to lead a normal life. At the end of 2015 and after 26 surgeries to address the pain and broken hardware, SPC Tingle had his left foot amputated.

Most of the pain has subsided, but a new set of challenges remain as SPC Tingle lives life with his amputation. The 100% accessible home tailored to his injuries will make a significant difference, allowing him to become more independent and able to perform daily activities without the assistance of others. JAH4WW was honored to build an injury-specific, accessible, and mortgage-free home for SPC Tingle and his family and look forward to watching them celebrating milestones in their forever home.

MEDIA COVERAGE

VIDEOS

Daniel Tingle Ground Breaking Ceremony

Event Photos