Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgages for the families of Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Eaves and Staff Sergeant Ryan O’Hara in time for Memorial Day.
Eaves and O’Hara were killed on Jan. 29 when their Black Hawk helicopter collided with a commercial plane en route to Reagan National Airport. The accident claimed the lives of three servicemembers and 64 passengers and airline crew members.
Eaves dedicated his life to service. After high school, he enlisted in the Navy, where he served for a decade and achieved the rank of First Class Petty Officer. Later, he transitioned to the Army, fulfilling his dream of becoming a helicopter pilot.
“Andrew signed up for the Navy because he knew that was his way out of our small town. He had a love of flying and began his long transition to the Army, and landed his dream job, ‘helicopter pilot.’ The military took Andrew around the world and let him share his humor and love with so many others,” said his mother, Betty Eaves.
During his nearly two-decade military career, Eaves earned numerous awards, including the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal three times, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal (3x), Army Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal three times, and Army Achievement Medal.
“Words cannot describe the man Andrew was and how much not only his family and friends lost, but our country lost a true hero, one-of-a-kind class act, said his wife, Carrie.
In addition to his wife, Eaves is survived by his daughter, Kaylee, and son, Michael. Tunnel to Towers paid off the mortgage on the family's home in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
O’Hara grew up in Lilburn, Georgia, where his passion for service began in his high school’s Reserve Officers' Training Corps program. In 2014, at 18, he enlisted in the Army to work on helicopters.
“He felt a deep desire to work on things technically, and the Army gave him the opportunity to turn all the wrenches he could get his hands on,” said his wife, Danielle.
During his decade in the military, O’Hara was honored with numerous accolades, including the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal four times, Army Good Conduct Medal three times, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Aviation Badge, and Senior Aviation Badge.
In addition to his wife, Danielle, he is survived by their son, who was just a year old when he passed.
“I honor Ryan by raising our son with his convictions. My son will know Ryan’s story, his ideas, his fortitude,” said Danielle.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has ensured the family’s financial stability by paying off the mortgage on their home in Alexandria, Virginia.
"On Memorial Day, we honor the memory of the heroes who gave their lives for our country. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Eaves and Staff Sergeant Ryan O’Hara dedicated themselves to protecting our freedoms, and we owe it to their families to ensure they have the stability and security they deserve. Tunnel to Towers is honored to provide mortgage-free homes to these Gold Star families, and we will never waver in our commitment to support those who serve and sacrifice,” said Chairman and CEO of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation Frank Siller.
The Tunnel to Towers Gold Star Family Home Program honors the legacy of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country by paying off the mortgage or providing the surviving spouses and young children with mortgage-free homes.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.