Freedom Alliance Scholarship Student Receives Award from Tunnel to Towers Foundation

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation does incredible work providing homes to wounded veterans and first responders, families of fallen heroes, and homeless veterans. Each year, the foundation hosts the Tunnel to Towers 5k Run and Walk. At their Annual Appreciation Dinner, the night prior, the foundation presents a student with the prestigious Richard Sheirer Memorial Award.

Richie Sheirer was the Director of New York City’s Office of Emergency Management on September 11, 2001. He organized the massive and complicated recovery efforts after the attacks on the World Trade Center. A board member of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Richie devoted countless hours to its mission. He led the way in obtaining approval for the first Tunnel to Towers run. Richie passed on January 19, 2012, and is greatly missed.

Freedom Alliance Scholarship student, Elizabeth Reese Carwile, was honored to be the 2023 Richard Sheirer Memorial Award recipient. The Carwile family and 2023 Freedom Alliance Scholarship Ambassador, Kiki Patterson, joined her at the event. Reese is a junior at the University of Mississippi studying Biological Sciences. She lost her father, Army 1LT Donald Carwile, in Afghanistan on August 15, 2008, when his humvee hit an IED.

Reese and Kiki enjoyed a rainy weekend in New York City where they had the opportunity to explore Times Square, tour backstage at Radio City Music Hall, and, most importantly, spend time among veterans, first responders, and Tunnel to Towers volunteers. Reese and Kiki participated in the Tunnel to Towers 5k Run, crossing the finish line together to enjoy post-race festivities. Both ladies were all smiles despite the rain.

Here is the speech Reese wrote for the event:

Good evening,

I am Reese Carwile, daughter of the late 1st Lieutenant Donald Carwile, U.S. Army. I would like to thank Freedom Alliance, Stephen Siller’s Tunnel to Towers Foundation, and Mr. Richie Sheirer’s family for providing me the opportunity to be here with you-all. It is such an honor that I will be forever grateful for.

We walk amongst many heroes who served on September 11, 2001, such as Firefighters, Police Officers, Doctors, Nurses, and so many other selfless volunteers. Some gave the ultimate sacrifice for another man’s life.

We are gathered here today in remembrance and honor of Firefighter Stephen Gerard Siller. Firefighter Siller had just gotten off of his shift on 9/11/2001 when he received word of the plane that hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Being the selfless man that he was, he immediately went to help. He gave the ultimate sacrifice in order to save others. That is what a hero is to me.

My hero, my father, was killed in Afghanistan in 2008 in the Global War on Terrorism that started on September 11th. His calling to fight for our country left me, my sister, and my mother without him. Now, I live with many fond memories of playing in the snow, riding the four-wheeler, and dancing to the ‘Barbie Girl’ song with my dad. His bravery encourages me daily to strive for the best, look out for others, and to push forward through adversity. My father lived an “I’m third” lifestyle. He put God first, others second, and himself third. As a leader, he always said that he wanted his men to make it home, and that he would do whatever he could to make that happen.

 As of now, I am attending The University of Mississippi. I am studying Biological Sciences with a minor in Chemistry. I hope to one day become a Physician Assistant and work in pediatrics or orthopedic surgery.

I am thankful for those that have supported me along not only my academic journey, but also my growth as a person. Thank you to Freedom Alliance for the opportunity to pursue my career passions and walking with me hand in hand through my college experience. I am also thankful for Mr. Stephen Siller. His courageousness that day will live on forever. Thank you to the Mr. Richie Sheirer family. Your service, sacrifice, and generosity has impacted so many lives for the better. Y’all have carried on Mr. Sheirer’s legacy of leadership and courage so well. This award means more than you will ever know to me and my family.

People like y’all are truly healing the wounds of war beyond comparison. May God protect and bless you all. Thank you!

The staff at Freedom Alliance is proud of Reese’s strength, determination, and the positivity she brings forth each day.

Freedom Alliance extends its appreciation and gratitude to our friends at the Tunnel to Towers Foundation for their hard work and dedication and for honoring Reese Carwile.