Tunnel to Towers Event

Annual 5K Fundraising Event | Ground Zero | New York City

On September 11th, 2001, firefighters on their way to ground–zero were stopped by police from entering the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, concerned it might be attacked, trapping them inside. Many abandoned their vehicles, strapped their gear on their backs, and ran over three miles through the tunnel to the twin towers, where they died, saving others. Among them was Gunnery Sergeant Matthew Garvey, a New York City firefighter and U.S. Marine of 6th Communications Battalion – Alpha Company. Matthew was the unit’s first casualty of the War on Terror, and became the inspiration for VRL to become a permanent part of the event. To learn more about Gunny Garvey, please visit the Memorial Page.

Veterans Rebuilding Life is proud to participate in the annual event, with our team numbers doubling every year. To read about the wounded veterans that VRL successfully participated in helping, please continue reading through our Veteran Project Archive. Continue scrolling below to see image highlights of the Tunnels to Towers event in New York City. If you would like to join us for next year’s event, please click the contact link.

Above | Marine Corporal Todd Nicely was one of many severely wounded veterans who participated in this year’s event, seen here exiting the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel located at the half-way point of the run, is surrounded by supporters.

Above | the Vargas Family (from far–right) traveled from South Carolina to participate in the one-day event. The Vargas Family runs the 5K in honor of Marine Corporal David Vargas, their brother and uncle, who passed away in 2012. They have been active VRL members since, volunteering to assist with any project or event.

Thanks to all who came out to support this noble cause and made Team–VRL’s turnout the largest it’s ever been, more than doubling last year’s numbers and exceeding our fundraising goals.