"Smart homes" for local heroes - WFLA-TV Newschannel 8

"Smart homes" for local heroes

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Gary Sinise at the announcement Wednesday Gary Sinise at the announcement Wednesday
TAMPA, FL -

Twelve more local veterans will receive a gift of a new home from the "Building for America's Bravest" initiative, Tampa Mayor Buckhorn announced Wednesday.

These homes' features meet the special needs of the severely injured veterans and have lower built-in cabinetry, iPad-controlled heating and cooling systems, elevators, intercoms and automated doors among other special adaptations.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation and the Gary Sinise Foundation started "Building for America's Bravest" initiative to provide housing to the injured military personnel to ensure their independence in everyday life.

"Our heroes need your help and support.  We welcome your donations, contributions and sponsorship to make these "Smart homes" a reality for the most deserving among us," said Frank Siller, Chairman of the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Every house costs about $500,00 to build. The foundations raise money by organizing Lt. Dan Band benefit concerts and accepting donations from the communities.

The first veteran to receive the Smart Home in 2013 is USMC Sgt. Michael Nicholson of Tampa, a triple amputee.  The Lt. Dan Band concert to sponsor his new home will be on May 10th at Curtis Hixon Park, in downtown Tampa.

"The partnershiop between the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and the Gary Sinise Foundation is dedicate to honoring and helping those severely injured veterans who have paid a huge price for volunteering to fight in our wars since 9/11," said actor Gary Sinise.

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