News Summary
Army Sergeant William Brooks, a veteran who lost both legs during Operation Iraqi Freedom, was honored with a mortgage-free smart home designed for accessibility. The ceremony, attended by community leaders and family, showcased the support of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Brooks expressed gratitude for the new chapter in his life, highlighting the importance of community and ongoing support for veterans and their families.
Southaven – Army Sergeant William Brooks, a veteran who lost both of his legs during service in Operation Iraqi Freedom, was honored on June 25, 2025, with a newly constructed, mortgage-free smart home. This event celebrated Brooks’ bravery and dedication to his country, alongside the ongoing support of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which facilitated this gesture of gratitude and recognition for his sacrifices.
The new residence is located in the Silo Square development and is designed to be fully automated, allowing Brooks to manage its features through a mobile app. Key features of the home include keyless entry, motorized doors, and wider doorways, hallways, and bathrooms. Additionally, the home has zero-threshold entrances to ensure that Brooks can navigate it comfortably and safely, catering specifically to his mobility challenges due to his injuries.
A grand ceremony marked the occasion, attended by numerous friends, family members, and community leaders who gathered to celebrate Brooks’ new beginning. Notable attendees included Southaven Mayor Darren Musselwhite, who had previously worked with Brooks during his tenure as a city Alderman, and DeSoto County Sheriff Thomas Tuggle, another veteran who lauded Brooks for his immense courage and sacrifice in the line of duty.
During the ceremony, there were speeches honoring Brooks’ past service, highlighting his time as an Alderman in Southaven after his military career. Brooks served as an Alderman for 12 years upon returning from military service. His military career took a pivotal turn when he was deployed to Iraq in 2004 with the Mississippi National Guard, shortly after the September 11 attacks. His life changed dramatically during a convoy to Baghdad when the Humvee he was in struck an improvised explosive device (IED), causing him severe injuries including the loss of both legs.
After the explosive incident, Brooks was rushed to Walter Reed Army Medical Center, where he underwent extensive medical treatment, requiring 48 units of blood within 48 hours due to his life-threatening injuries. He faced numerous challenges throughout his recovery, having flatlined twice. Despite these hardships, Brooks has remained a prominent figure in his community, known for his resilience and determination.
At the ceremony, a specially made flag from the steel of the original Twin Towers was presented to Brooks by retired FDNY Battalion Chief Jack Oehm. Furthermore, another flag that had flown over the U.S. Capitol was given to Brooks by Walt Starr, a field representative for U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith. Both presentations served as symbolic gestures honoring Brooks’ sacrifices and his service to the country.
In his remarks during the event, Brooks expressed overwhelming emotion at the community’s support, noting the significant turnout to celebrate this milestone in his life. He affirmed that he is excited to begin this new chapter in his hometown, where he has deep roots and connections to the community. His new smart home not only symbolizes a fresh start but also represents an ongoing commitment by organizations like the Tunnel to Towers Foundation to support veterans and their families.
The opening of Sergeant Brooks’ smart home illustrates a growing recognition and appreciation for the sacrifices made by veterans and the pressing need for accessible living solutions for injured service members. As communities rally together to provide support, these kinds of initiatives empower veterans like Brooks to lead fulfilling lives post-service.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- DeSoto Times: William Brooks Receives Smart Home
- WREG: Veteran Gifted Smart Home
- Neshoba Democrat: Veterans Day Observance
- Fox 13 Memphis: Army Veteran Carjacked
- WRIF: Interview with Cullen Moore
- Wikipedia: United States Army
- Google Search: Military Veterans Support
- Google Scholar: Veterans Health Care
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Veterans Affairs
- Google News: Smart Home for Veterans
