By Michaela Gordoni
The Gary Sinise Foundation has given over 100 homes to wounded veterans, and its latest home is very special.
Sinise told Fox News, “Every time we do it, it gets me. I can’t be at all the dedication ceremonies, but I am at this one today.”
His foundation has been around for 15 years, but he started to help build homes for veterans before it ever started.
“When my foundation launched 15 years ago, we started a program called RISE, restoring independence, supporting empowerment,” he said.
The organization’s 104th home is for veteran Leslie Nichole Smith.
“I have known Leslie now for over 20 years,” said Sinise. “We met through an effort to build the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial. She was part of the effort, and I was the national spokesperson.”
Smith lost a leg in Bosnia due to a blood infection, and she is legally blind, only able to see some light and color. The house the foundation built her is large, spacious, luxurious and accessible.
Sinise took Fox News on a tour of the home.
“This is Leslie’s little office here,” Sinise said. “Some important memorabilia. She has a coin collection, important photographs. There are photographs all over the house.”
Fox’s Steve Docey told Sinise, “When you do this for Leslie later on today, you will have changed — I know she served her country — but you will change her life forever and her family’s life.”
Sinise said, “That’s the point. She has given a lot. Served her country, been through a lot.”
Since she can see light, they even gave her a sparkle room in her favorite color — orange.
“We have to take care of them,” Sinise said. “I think that the government has a role, of course, to do as much as they can, but I don’t think the government can do everything for every single veteran and we as citizens have a role to play and pick up the charge. I’ve been blessed with freedom and I’ve been successful and want to do something to give back.
The foundation shared about the house reveal on its social media pages.
“After the attacks of September 11, Leslie answered the call to serve, deploying as a public affairs officer during Operation Joint Forge. Less than a year into her deployment, she began experiencing severe pain in her leg, a warning sign of a life-threatening condition,” the foundation shared. “What doctors discovered was devastating: a growing blood clot had broken off into thousands more, spreading throughout her body to vital organs, placing her on imminent death protocol with just hours to live.”
Her condition occurred as a result of exposure to a chemical agent or toxin. Smith had been assigned to the Nuclear Biological Chemical Corp.
“Rushed to Walter Reed Medical Center, Leslie fought for her life through countless procedures. Ultimately, she lost her left leg, and the lasting effects of her injuries also took much of her eyesight. Through it all, Leslie never lost her determination.”
While she recovered, she developed a purpose to support service members and their families.
“Her resilience and unwavering positivity have continued to inspire those around her… This home will provide Leslie with the accessibility, independence, and comfort she deserves as she continues her mission of service in a new way. Welcome home, Leslie, and thank you for your extraordinary strength and sacrifice. 💙”
Smith said of her partnership with the foundation, “I have seen the uplifting and positive impact that Gary and the Foundation have made on so many… His ability to make a difference is so empowering and encourages us to persevere when faced with adversity. Serving as an Ambassador for the Gary Sinise Foundation is the greatest honor for me.”
It’s incredible to see Sinise serve those who’ve served our country.
Read Next: Gary Sinise Builds Smart Home for Wounded Iraqi Vet
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