Anesi Maverick Tu'ufuli

In February 2005, U.S. Army Sergeant Anesi Maverick Tu’ufuli was getting familiar with the outskirts of Taji, Iraq, when his unit was hit with an IED while on patrol.

Conscious and somewhat aware, SGT Tu’ufuli wasn’t sure of the extent of his injuries. Hearing gunfire all around, he was transported to an area hospital and prepped for surgery. Then, he passed out and woke up in a hospital in Germany, where he stayed for five months. He underwent several surgeries, including the amputation of his left leg, but the doctors couldn’t control his temperature, which kept spiking. His prognosis was not good, but he pulled through. Once he left the hospital, SGT Tu’ufuli spent an additional three months in rehab.

When he finally made it home to the U.S., he returned to military housing and was given the option to complete his army career. With nine years to go, SGT Tu’ufuli opted to leave the army.

His young family moved into a two-story house close to the base in San Antonio. Despite his many challenges, his wife, Rhonda, and two young daughters, Maselina and Kitana, were his biggest supporters. In turn, he became an involved father and was able to be there and care for his wife during her cancer journey. Sadly, she lost her battle in 2018.

Today, SGT Tu’ufuli has found love again and recently remarried. His daughters are attending college and playing volleyball. Although he and his family made many memories in their old home, SGT Tu’ufuli was unable to access the second story and was not able to safely shower in his primary bath.

In August of 2024, thanks to the support and commitment from our partners we presented Tu’ufuli with a brand new fully accessible home. But the home wasn’t the only surprise that day, we were honored to partner with The Home Depot Foundation to present the home to the family fully furnished.

Please take a moment to honor SGT Tu’ufuli’s service and sacrifice by signing his guest book and leaving a message of support below. Consider donating today to help JAH4WW name the next Veteran recipient. Your generosity makes a tangible difference.