Tunnel to Towers provides mortgage-free homes to local families of fallen heroes

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Tunnel to Towers Foundation is honoring the service and sacrifice of fallen heroes in North Carolina by providing mortgage-free homes to their families, including a Camp Lejeune Marine and the family of a longtime public safety officer at Wilmington International Airport.

As part of the foundation’s 2025 Season of Hope, Tunnel to Towers ensured the family of fallen Wilmington International Airport Public Safety Lieutenant Anthony “Tony” D’Erasmo can remain in their home without the financial burden of a mortgage.

“We as a family are so grateful to Tunnel to Towers for honoring my husband and their father for his service and sacrifice,” said his wife, Elizabeth D’Erasmo. “My husband’s end of watch was eight years ago… to have his memory honored in such a generous way is so unexpected and profoundly appreciated.”

Lt. D’Erasmo began his career by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps before joining the New York City Police Department in 1984. After the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, he spent months working at Ground Zero during rescue and recovery efforts.

Following his retirement from the NYPD in 2004, D’Erasmo and his family moved to North Carolina, where he served as a public safety officer at Wilmington International Airport for another decade. He died on Aug. 31, 2017, from cancer related to his work at Ground Zero. A memorial honoring his service stands at the base of the flagpole outside ILM’s terminal.

“Lieutenant D’Erasmo spent his life serving others,” said Tunnel to Towers Chairman and CEO Frank Siller. “Tony stood on the pile at Ground Zero searching the rubble to help families like mine find closure, and we will never forget that sacrifice. Today, it is our turn to serve his family, ensuring they can stay in their home without the burden of a mortgage.”

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation also provided a mortgage-free home to Gracen Arslanbas, the wife of fallen U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Colin Arslanbas, who died in a training accident in April 2024. Arslanbas was pregnant with the couple’s daughter, Margot, at the time of his death.

“Having my mortgage paid in full is life-changing for my future,” Gracen Arslanbas said. “When I lost Colin, every financial burden became my responsibility alone. I believe this is Colin’s way of continuing to take care of us even on the other side.”

Throughout his service, Sgt Arslanbas was recognized for his commitment and conduct, earning several prestigious military decorations, including the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal. In a final tribute, he was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.

The Tunnel to Towers Season of Hope is the foundation’s annual campaign to provide mortgage-free homes to America’s heroes and their families. This year’s campaign will deliver 50 homes between Dec. 1 and Christmas Eve.