There are so many stories from September 11, 2001, stories of vivid memory of where we were when the Towers fell, and inspiring stories of the heroes who saved so many lives. I started writing this during my remembrance of that day and I want to share with you the life story of a courageous firefighter who sacrificed everything and gave inspiration for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. His actions saved countless lives that day and continue to inspire our team daily.
“Firefighter Stephen Gerard Siller was the youngest of seven children born to Mae and George Siller. At the age of eight, Stephen lost his father, and a year and a half later his mother passed away, leaving him an orphan to be raised by his older siblings. For a while, Stephen went through a period of struggle, but thanks to the love of his siblings, and the values instilled in him by his parents, he grew up to be an extraordinary individual and dedicated firefighter. More than most, he knew that time was precious and accomplished much in his 34 years.
On September 11, 2001, Stephen, who was assigned to Brooklyn’s Squad 1, had just finished his shift and was on his way to play golf with his brothers when he got word over his scanner of a plane hitting the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Upon hearing the news, Stephen called his wife Sally and asked her to tell his brothers he would catch up with them later. He returned to Squad 1 to get his gear. Stephen drove his truck to the entrance of the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, but it had already been closed for security purposes. Determined to carry out his duty, he strapped 60 lbs. of gear to his back and raced on foot through the tunnel to the Twin Towers, where he gave up his life while saving others.
Stephen had everything to live for; a great wife, five wonderful children, a devoted extended family, and friends. Stephen’s parents were lay Franciscans and he grew up under the guiding philosophy of St. Francis of Assisi, whose encouraging and inspirational phrase “while we have time, let us do good” were words that Stephen lived by. Stephen’s life and heroic death serve as a reminder to us all to live life to the fullest and to spend our time here on earth doing good – This is his legacy.”
Stephen’s life was cut too short, but his actions during his time here on this Earth will never be forgotten.
Supporting Tunnel to Towers is a way to say thank you to not only the service members, but their families as well. I find myself continually thinking about these families, and the organization recognizes the sacrifices of our military and first responders and builds mortgage-free smart homes for our most catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. Each home is designed to address the unique needs of each individual. This is why we’re so passionate about helping families through real estate, it allows us to support worthy causes like Tunnel to Towers. Helping families and fighting for them through the purchase or sale of a home is an incredible responsibility that we don’t take lightly!
Thank You,
Brandie Mathison-Klein
If you are thinking about moving, or if someone you know may be, please call or text 407-890-1977 and introduce us to them. Not only will they get the 5-star service that we are known for, but with every introduction you give, we donate to Tunnel to Towers and other worthy causes so they can continue all the good work they do in our community.
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