DeSoto Times-Tribune
Iraq War veteran, former Southaven Alderman William Brooks receives smart home in Silo Square
By Jake Lankford
William Brooks was one of thousands of men sent to Iraq following the September 11 attacks and, during his tour, lost both of his legs after a life-threatening injury. Brooks returned home after this and would serve his community in a different way– serving for 12 years as a Southaven Alderman.
Now, the city and the Tunnel to Towers Foundation is giving back to Brooks in a monumental way– by giving Brooks a custom, mortgage-free smart home in Silo Square. Friends held a grand ceremony on Wednesday to mark the occasion that featured speeches from Southaven and county leaders as a recognition for Brooks’ service.
“20 years ago, this time, I was coming home for the first time and my community came out for me back then. Even now, 20 years later, to see the same type of turnout is very overwhelming for me and I can’t put into words how appreciative I am of each and every one of you for being here.” Brooks said in his speech.
Jack Oehm, retired FDNY Battalion Commander and board member of Tunnels to Towers, said the occasion was a great day for Brooks and America.
“We get to welcome home a real, true American hero that sacrificed and gave his limbs for our freedoms and to keep us free and safe. It’s the least we could do as true Americans, to take care of a catastrophically wounded service member. This is what we got to do for all of our veterans.” Oehm said.
Brooks’ military career began in 1999 when he joined the Mississippi National Guard. He was deployed to Iraq in 2004 when he was called up for training and sent to the Middle East after the 9/11 attacks.
Brooks was part of a convoy on its way to Baghdad when the Humvee he was in hit an improvised explosive device (IED), blasting the engine out of the vehicle and blowing off both of his legs. A fellow soldier, SGT Richard Anthony, saved Brooks’ life immediately after the explosion using his civilian medical knowledge.
Brooks required 48 units of blood over the course of 48 hours, flatlined twice and, when he returned stateside, spent just over a year recovering at Washington, DC 's Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Brooks medically retired from the military after his recovery and returned to his hometown of Southaven, where he became an Alderman and an advocate for injured and fellow Purple Heart veterans. Brooks’ rank when he left was Sergeant in the Army.
“It’s super special, knowing William and all he’s all about, the sacrifice he made and just his toughness. He’s just a guy who didn’t complain about his circumstances, he dealt with everything and moved on. Just been a great leader and a great example for so many people.” Southaven Mayor Darren Musselwhite said.
In addition to the house, Brooks received a metal flag made of the steel from the original World Trade Center as a tribute to his service, as well as another flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol from U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith.
“I hope this new house that you are getting will bring you many, many years of wonderful experiences, wonderful memories and I hope it’s the place you spend the rest of your life and enjoy it to the fullest. God bless you, William.” said Walt Starr, field representative for Hyde-Smith.
DeSoto County Sheriff Thomas Tuggle, also a veteran, said Brooks was a walking example of courage even in the face of fear or criticism, and thanked the community for their support of Brooks.
“Freedom isn’t free, sacrifice is what it takes.” Tuggle said in his speech. “I can assure you, what my fellow vet went through and his fellow veterans, is what it takes for us to remain free. I am forever grateful, I am forever appreciative and I understand the sacrifices that it takes.” Tuggle said.
Brooks’ new smart home is designed to be fully automated through a phone app and touchscreen interfaces throughout the house. Other elements for ease-of-access in the house include keyless entry, motorized doors, and wide doors, hallways, bathrooms and zero thresholds for easy access.
“I’m overwhelmed, humbled, honored. I don’t know how many adjectives you can put in there. To say that I’m pleased and excited is truly an understatement. It’s more than I imagined it would be. Everything in here is top-notch.” Brooks said.
Brooks said that Tunnel to Towers could have built him a home anywhere in the country, but he chose his hometown of Southaven to have his smart home.
“This is my hometown, my community and these are my people. This is my home and this is where I am going to stay.” Brooks said.