May 17, 2018: Groundbreaking for the Brewer Home, Donated by the Gary Sinise Foundation. Photo Credit: Balfour Walker/Chris Mooney Photo

SAHBA Members Will Build Specially Adapted ‘Smart’ Home, Donated by Gary Sinise Foundation

The Gary Sinise Foundation broke ground May 17 for its specially adapted smart home in Tucson for a severely wounded veteran. Like Gary Sinise’s character Lieutenant Dan in Forrest Gump, US Army SFC Caleb Brewer (Ret.) lost both legs while serving his country—in Afghanistan on his 31^st birthday in 2015. Within four months, he relearned to walk with prosthetic legs and even surf, shoot, rock climb run the Army 10 Miler run and the Bataan Memorial Death March. His endurance and resilience has been so inspiring Brewer and his family will receive this ‘forever home’ completely free, thanks to the Foundation’s R.I.S.E. program (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment), generous donors and in-kind partners, including the National Association of Home Builders.

Two members of the Southern Arizona Home Builders Association are heavily involved in the project. Architect Hank Krzysik designed the custom home, fully modified with technology, mobility devices, adapted appliances and features to simplify tasks of everyday life for the family. Hayes Construction, Inc. (Tom, Suzie and Andrew Hayes and crew) will build the home.

Watch “GROUNDBREAKING” SlideShow

Related Stories:   KGUN9-TV story       Tucson News Now \ AZFamily.com

Funding support for this deserving hero was made possible by The Marcus Foundation, The Home Depot Foundation(Team Depot), Hope For The Warriors, Semper Fi Fund, Scott Krenzer and Karen Murphy and many other donors.

Also a big thank you to these in-kind donors; Shubert Design, Nortek Security & Control, National Wood Flooring Association/Hardwood Floors Magazine, National Tile Contractors Association, #GE, Sunbelt Rentals, Benjamin Moore, National Association of Home Builders, North American Van Lines, MAPEI Americas, Broan, American Airlines, Natural Stone Institute, #Dentons, JCPenney, National Hardwood Lumber Association, Hayes Construction, Inc. and the local Tucson community.

To learn more about R.I.S.E. and other #GarySiniseFoundation programs, visit: www.garysinisefoundation.org