Once again, the Gary Sinise Foundation has come to the aid of one of America’s wounded warriors.
Founded by Gary Sinise, the star of “CSI: NY” (but probably best known for portraying Lt. Dan in “Forrest Gump”), the foundation, through its Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment (RISE) program, provides special “smart” homes for wounded veterans. The homes are specially adapted for use by those with disabilities.
According to the Sinise Foundation website, there are 58 such homes either in use or being built.
The new North Carolina home is for U.S. Army Sergeant Gregory Hedrick (Ret.). Hedrick joined he army shortly after watching the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 200. He fought in two deployments to Iraq, but in 2012 was heading to rescue soldiers who had been hit by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan when a rocket-propelled grenade hit his truck.
Hedrick lost his left leg above the knee and two fingers on his left hand, and suffered a traumatic brain injury. He is married with three children.
In the smart home, everything from windows to the thermostat and televisions can be controlled digitally via an iPad. Hendrick described his new home to the Virginia Pilot:
“This bench (in a huge, tiled shower) is just the right height to get out of my wheelchair,” Hedrick said, his eyes welling. “I can take a shower every day now without anybody having to help me.”
He added, “this house is going to give me so much more freedom.”
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