A disabled veteran has spoken of his overwhelming joy after being given a new adaptive home for him, his wife and their six children.
Retired Army Major Jeremy Haynes was left paralyzed after being shot in Afghanistan and overnight life became so much harder for the family.
But thanks to the Gary Sinise Foundation he and his family now have a brand-new smart home completely adapted for his needs.
The Gary Sinise Foundation was set up in 2011 and offers support to defenders, veterans, first responders, their families and those in need through unique programs.
To date the Forrest Gump movie star’s foundation has gifted more than 60 smart homes to severely wounded warriors and Sinise works tirelessly as an advocate for those who have risked their lives to keep us safe.
‘Overwhelming joy that I felt’
Jeremy’s wife Chelsea, a soldier herself, and their kids couldn’t believe it when they opened the door to their new home in Virginia.
“I was stumbling over my words because I couldn’t capture just the overwhelming joy that I felt,” Jeremy told ABC 7 News.
“Finally there’s a home where we can actually grow together.”
The specially adapted smart home is life-changing for the family and will allow Jeremy to live more independently.
The house has some amazing features
“There’s a big difference between a 24-inch door and a 36 indoor,” he said. “That difference is the ability to tuck your kids in at night, being able to read them a bedtime story.
“Another amazing feature is the iPad. It controls the entire home from turning on the lights to the security features.”
Gary Sinise told Jeremy: “The house that stands before us is a small symbol of that gratitude and a deep respect from a grateful nation.”
Jeremy can now concentrate on the more important things in life like being a husband and father and even work toward walking again.
Watch this beautiful family being shown around their custom home for the first time in the clip below.
I’m so glad there are foundations like this to help those that have risked their lives to protect us. May it continue to help more just like Jeremy.
Please share to pay tribute to this worthy cause and wish Jeremy and his family a happy future in their new home.
