Tyson joined the military two days after graduating high school to escape a toxic environment at home. After basic training at Fort Banning he was sent to Korea and met his wife through a USO pen pal program. After marrying, Jessica moved to Korea for a while and taught children English. Upon retuning to Fort Bliss, Tyson geared up for war in Iraq. A self-described “career soldier”; Tyson quickly moved up the ranks and became the brigade commander’s personal security officer for nearly 18 months. This position put Tyson on constant alert.
The stresses of the Iraq war continued to pile up for Tyson. After a nearby explosion killed a neighboring unit Tyson discovered his good friend Cooper had died in the explosions. Later Tyson was sent into the towns of Qahtaniya and Jazeeera after a bombing. He was the only American soldier there and had to trek through the war torn villages walking amongst the angry, grieving families.
In 2007 Tyson was severely injured in Baghdad, after returning to the battalions a 60 mm mortar hit next to him and threw him into a concrete bunker. These injuries caused severe TBI that affected his comprehension and long-term memory. After his deployment he volunteered for Drill Sergeant duty but soon learned his good friend, Staff Sgt. Gonzalez was killed in Afghanistan and finally after over 13 years of service, Tyson could not hold it together anymore and had to retire. He struggled in his transition from the only world he knew.
Upon returning to Jessica’s hometown of Indiana they moved into a dilapidated home that is in need of constant maintenance. Since Tyson is unable to work, this put additional stress on him and his family. He has two daughters Lilliana, Luciana, and their son Jonathan. The Cole family desperately needs a fresh start, a community that will support him and most importantly a place to call home. Belman Homes is proud to be able to provide him this home through the support of the building industry, The Metropolitan Builders Association, and Operation Finally Home.