Wildwood, MO  (KTRS)  A wounded military veteran and his wife are getting a specially adapted SMART home thanks to the Gary Sinise Foundation.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held Tuesday morning for Legrand and Carrie Strickland’s new home in Wildwood. The couple said they feel blessed to have this home.

“This right here is a life long home and it’s a place that I want to die at. I’m able to look around and when I’m old and gray and appreciate everything.” said Legrand Strickland.

“I didn’t think coming back after being gone for 20 years that we would have the support we have here. It’s just amazing.” Carrie Strickland said.

Carrie Strickland grew up in Bridgeton and Legrand Strickland grew up in University City. The couple has been married since November 27, 1999.

Both of Legrand Strickland’s legs had to be amputated after he was injured during an IED strike while serving in Afghanistan in 2010. The Strickland’s new home is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

About the Gary Sinise Foundation:

The Gary Sinise Foundation honors America’s defenders, veterans, first responders, their
families and those in need. Through its R.I.S.E. program (Restoring Independence Supporting
Empowerment), specially adapted smart homes are being constructed for severely wounded
veterans nationwide. Each one-of-a-kind home is customized to ease the everyday burdens
of a wounded hero, their family, and caregivers. Other programs include Relief & Resiliency
Outreach, Invincible Spirit Festivals, Gary Sinise & the Lt. Dan Band, Arts & Entertainment
Outreach, Serving Heroes, First Responders Outreach, and Soaring Valor. Its latest program,
Snowball Express,servesthe children of ourfallen military heroes,surviving spouses, and Gold
Star families. For more information, please visit GarySiniseFoundation.org.