GroundStone Homes revealed in December 2019 the new specially adapted smart home designed and built in partnership with The Gary Sinise Foundation’s RISE (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment).
The Army Sargeant the home was built for lost both of his legs while deployed in Afghanistan from an IED that went off while rushing an injured soldier to a Medevac helicopter.
He was transported to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center where he spent over a month in the hospital, and the next two years learning to adapt to his prosthetics, drawing strength from his friends and the other amputees at the hospital. Sixteen months after his last surgery in September 2014, he ran the Boston Marathon.
Stefan’s previous living situation did not accommodate his wheelchair, causing him stress in his day-to-day activities. The Sargeant and his family worked with the architects and designers of Groundstone to design each space in the house. Designs included wide kitchen spaces for wheeling through, easy access to appliances with lower positioning, soft closing cabinets, and gorgeous decor overall.
President of GroundStone Homes, Inc., Matthew Montgomery, spoke at the ribbon cutting of the new specially adapted smart home designed and built by GroundStone for veteran Sgt. Stefan LeRoy and his family. Matt gave a heartfelt speech about how GroundStone is humbled to have worked on such a fulfilling project and mentioned how they are looking forward to seeing the family’s daughter grow up in this house and how it would be a forever home for them.
There were many partners with the Gary Sinise Foundation that made this house a home. Smart technology, countertops, tile, blankets, furniture, groceries, lighting, fixtures, and more were all donated to complete this project. These partners include:
The Marcus Foundation, The Home Depot Foundation, Knights of Columbus, Attorney General Military and Veteran Assistance Program, Semper Fi Fund, Shubert Design, Nortek Security & Control, National Wood Flooring Association/Hardwood Floors Magazine, Rheem Manufacturing, National Tile Contractors Association, GE, FPL Connect, Sunbelt Rentals, Benjamin Moore, National Association of Home Builders, North American Van Lines, MAPEI USA, Broan, Hearthwood Floors, American Airlines, Natural Stone Institute, Daltile, and Dentons.
