22-05-2025
Mortgage on fallen Lorena Marine's family home paid
Lorena, Tx (FOX 44) – In observance of Memorial Day, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation has fully paid the mortgage on the Lorena home of fallen USMC Gunnery Sergeant John Fry's family.
The announcement of the gift noted that Gunnery Sergeant Fry's dedication to service began as a high school senior when he witnessed his older brother's Marine Corps boot camp graduation. Inspired, he enlisted in 1995 and became an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician with the 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Lejeune, N.C.
He was killed on March 8, 2006, while attempting to disarm a bomb in Iraq's Anbar province.
He is survived by his wife and high school sweetheart, Malia, and their three children: Kathryn, Gideon, and C.L.
Following his passing, Malia spearheaded the creation of the Fry Scholarship, which expanded the G.I. Bill to provide education benefits for the children of all fallen service members.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation's Gold Star Family Home Program honors the legacy of those who died while serving their country by providing surviving spouses and young children with mortgage-free homes or paying off their mortgages.
'Education and his children being able to go to college was so important to John,' said Malia, who added, 'My children, who are all in college or have graduated, are his legacy and honor him every day.'
'This Memorial Day, we remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country,' said Tunnel to Towers Chairman and CEO Frank Siller. 'By lifting the burden of a mortgage from Gunnery Sergeant John Fry's family, we send a strong message—his sacrifice will never be forgotten.'
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