Suburbs

William Brooks has been through a lot since joining the Army and heading off to Iraq. Paid a heavy price for that dedication to the military.

Brooks is without both his legs from the life-altering injuries he sustained in Operation Iraqi Freedom. That can make mobility difficult in a lot of circumstance, including maneuvering through a standard-built home.

This week, things got better for Brooks.

With a helping hand from the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, the retired Army sergeant moved into his new home in Silo Square. A residence designed to make his access easier.

“To be able to have a kitchen that I can use and cook and move around pretty freely, that’s what I’m excited about,” Brooks said upon touring the home.

While Brooks was excited about the improvements to his life and his residence, the dignitaries who attended the ceremony heaped praise on the former Southaven alderman for the way he has overcome the physical obstacles.

“How he has handled his circumstances since then is one of the greatest displays of guts and brutal toughness ever shown,” Southaven Mayor Darren Musselwhite said, adding that Brooks is “a total badass.”

“William Brooks is the walking example of courage,” DeSoto County Sheriff Thomas Tuggle said.

But the ceremony was about more than an accessible home. It provided an opportunity to pay back Brooks for his heroism, dedication and sacrifice.

Jack Oehm, retired battalion commander from the Fire Department of New York and a Tunnel to Towers Foundation board member, emphasized that the home was not a gift, but “earned because of his sacrifice.”

“Any day you can welcome home a true American hero is a great day,” Oehm said.

Reporter Brandon LaGrone recounted how Brooks said the whole thing reminded him of the reception he received when he returned home 20 years ago. To the retired sergeant, the thoughtfulness reinforced why he loves Southaven.

“I could have lived anywhere I wanted to, and I wanted to live here,” Brooks said. “This is my hometown, my people. This is where I want to live.”

— Suburbs editor Clay Bailey

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