VA Veteran Receives Special Gift During The Holidays

LEESBURG, VA — The Home Depot Foundation and the Tunnel to Towers Foundation have teamed up to provide financial assistance to a local U.S. veteran this holiday season. The foundations will pay off the mortgage on the home of U.S. Army Special Forces SFC Mark Holbert. In addition, The Home Depot Foundation is providing $100,000 for smart appliances and accessibility features to outfit the home.

Holbert was born into a military family with his father serving for 25 years and his grandfather fought in WWII. Holbert was on his fourth tour in Afghanistan when he stepped on an IED Aug. 16, 2010. He lost both of his legs and two fingers in the blast. Since his injury, he has graduated from Georgetown University and completed five triathlons, four 200 relays, and four Army 10 milers. He’s now set his sights on completing a full of half Ironman. He now lives in Virginia with his wife, Tiffany, and two daughters.

“Mark’s story of service is incredibly moving and it’s a true honor to partner with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation to give back to him and his family this holiday season as we show our appreciation for his service to the country,” Sean Walker, manager of strategic partnerships and programs with The Home Depot Foundation, said. “Through our ongoing work with Tunnel to Towers, we’ve collectively partnered together on more than 60 smart homes for service members and their families.”

This mortgage support is part of The Home Depot Foundation’s Operation Surprise campaign, where Team Depot volunteers are activated to put good into action and make a difference in local communities across the country. Giving back to veterans is personal to The Home Depot since more than 35,000 of the company’s associates are veterans or active duty military. In 2018, The Home Depot Foundation committed an additional $250 million to veteran causes taking the total to half a billion by 2025.