As a veteran-owned business, we proudly stand by those who courageously serve our nation. To mark The Forum’s Group 50th Anniversary in May 2023, we worked with an amazing organization, Tunnel to Towersopens in a new window – a Foundation totally dedicated to aiding severely wounded veterans, first responders, homeless Veterans, and a host of other charitable works. Our team committed to funding the construction of a Tunnel to Towers Smart Homeopens in a new window for a severely wounded Veteran.
In addition to supporting the other great works of the T to T Foundation, we have raised just under two million six hundred thousand dollars to construct a home for Retired Army Major Ivan Castroopens in a new window. We are privileged to share his remarkable story as a hero and incredible human being. Major Castro’s journey of courage and resilience shines as a beacon of hope for all those facing adversity.
Meet Major Ivan Castro: A True Inspiration of Commitment, Perseverance, and Courage
Major Ivan Castro’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. As a highly decorated officer in the U.S. Army, he embodied unwavering dedication and courage. With a “never quit” attitude, he spent 28 years in the Army, progressing from a Private to a Major, earning elite status as an Army Ranger, Special Forces, and a Green Beret.
His combat deployments came to a tragic end in 2006 on a rooftop in Iraq, which changed his life forever. Leading a sniper team as a First Lieutenant with the 82nd Airborne Division during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Ivan was severely injured in a mortar attack in Youssifiyah, Iraq. In addition to his injuries, the round claimed the lives of two comrades in his command. Near death, he was ultimately transported to a field hospital only to be awakened days later, permanently blinded.
It’s easy to give up when faced with tragedy, but Ivan did not. His never-quit attitude helped him endure the terrible trauma he suffered. His journey to recovery saw him defy the odds and, despite his injuries, fight for the right to continue his Army career. Securing special dispensation, he returned to active duty as a Special Forces soldier, becoming the sole blind soldier in his unit until his retirement ten years later. While his initial physical recovery lasted over a year and continues until today, it pales in comparison to the emotional battle with darkness that he faces daily.
Ivan’s remarkable story of overcoming tough times strikes a chord as a tale of hope and persistence. His strong message emphasizes the importance of resilience, demonstrating that in facing challenges, courage lights the way through dark moments of setbacks and failures.
Choosing not to let his injuries define him, he took on a remarkable journey of recovery and achievements. Not only has Ivan been awarded two Purple Heart awards, military honors, and credentials, but in the last fourteen years, he has done it all. Despite his total blindness, he has completed over eighty marathons, skied two hundred miles in extreme conditions to the South Pole with Prince Harry, scaled Mount Kilimanjaro, cycled across the US, trekked 500 miles of El Camino de Santiago, ran with the Bulls in Spain, conquered the Marathon des Sables desert race, and hiked the Pacific Crest Trail. He co-authored a book with NYT Bestselling Author Jim DeFelice called “Fighting Blindopens in a new window,” which is his incredible story of overcoming adversity.
Ivan has genuinely inspired many. He shares his story at different events and conferences, motivating and supporting others in conquering their challenges. Ivan’s journey shows how perseverance pays off and reminds us that we can do more than we think. His attitude toward facing challenges is a compelling inspiration for each of us.
Learn more about Major Castro.opens in a new window
A Smart Cause: The Smart Home Initiative
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation, honoring firefighter Stephen Silleropens in a new window, builds mortgage-free smart homes for our brave service members. These homes give independence back to veterans who’ve given so much for our country. Major Castro’s smart home will fit his needs, using top-notch technology to help him day-to-day and boost his quality of life. Each home is tailored to individual needs, with features like automated doors, roomy hallways, accessible showers, and adjustable cabinets. These upgrades help injured vets and first responders regain their independence.
Our Commitment
The Forum Group dedicates time and talent to honoring our military personnel’s sacrifices. We are thrilled to support Major Castro’s smart home and look forward to sharing more details as we break ground on the build later this year. This initiative is more than just a project for us; it is a way to give back to those who have given so much for our freedom and safety. Major Castro truly deserves this home, and we are honored to know and support him.
Join Us in Honoring our Veterans
Join us in this meaningful effort. By participating in the annual Tunnel to Towers runopens in a new window or supporting the Smart Home Programopens in a new window, you can help us honor Major Ivan Castro’s incredible bravery and that of many other veterans. Let’s unite to express our thanks and back those who’ve fought for our nation. Together, we can make a difference and pay tribute to the heroes who sacrificed so much for our country.
If you’d like to participate in our continued support or learn more about this amazing organization, please contact us.