Today,
I salute Navy Veteran, Gunner’s Mate Petty Officer 3rd Class Paul Hurley. Paul is a third-generation military member. His grandfather served in World War II, his father was a Marine, and his mother is a Navy nurse. Hurley enlisted in the Navy in 2005. He said his decision to serve was shaped, in part, by the events of Sept. 11, 2001. Hurley’s father was in New York City and had a meeting at the World Trade Center. However, he was running late and was not inside the buildings when they were hit. Hurley was injured while in Bahrain in 2006, when the vehicle he was in was intentionally targeted. Paul suffered catastrophic injuries, including broken legs, a traumatic brain injury, a shattered kneecap, and severe shrapnel wounds. After his service, his injuries presented challenges for civilian life. Enter the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which this year aims to deliver 343 mortgage-free homes to catastrophically injured Veterans. Paul was just welcomed home and given the keys to one of those homes. Enjoy your new home, Paul, and THANK YOU for your service.
