http://www.garysinisefoundation.org/news_events]http://www.garysinisefoundation.org/news_events]http://www.garysinisefoundation.org/news_eventsVETERANS TO GET SMART HOMES
ACTOR GARY SINISE AND THE TUNNEL TO TOWERS FOUNDATION ANNOUNCE 2013 RECIPIENTS of “SMART HOMES” AND LT. DAN BAND CONCERT TOUR
TAMPA, FLORIDA. Gary Sinise, actor and founder of the Gary Sinise Foundation, Frank Siller, Chairman of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and Tampa’s Mayor Bob Buckhorn announce the twelve (12) severely injured U.S. servicemen who have been chosen to receive specially adapted “Smart Homes” in 2013 as part of the Building for America’s Bravest Program. Each “Smart Home” recipient will also be honored with a benefit concert by Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band, which will assist in raising the money needed to build each home.
The first honoree is USMC Sgt. Michael Nicholson of Tampa, a triple amputee. The benefit concert will be held on May 10th at Curtis Hixon Park, in downtown Tampa. Tickets are available at
www.SupportMikeNicholson.comThe February 13, 2013 press conference will be held at 10:00am at Heroes Plaza. Attending will be ten (10) of the 2013 Heroes, Cpl. Todd Nicely, a quadruple amputee who received a “Smart Home” in 2012, Gary Sinise, Frank Siller, and Tampa Mayor Buckhorn. The Florida Patriot Guard will also present a flag line saluting these heroes as they walk down the boardwalk to the Press Conference.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation and the Gary Sinise Foundation are partners in the Building for America’s Bravest program. The program allows each wounded hero the freedom to decide where they would like their new “Smart Home” to be built. In recognition of the sacrifices made and the support of the local community, Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band play a benefit concert to honor each home recipient. Proceeds from the concerts support the building projects in each of those communities.
On average, each “Smart Home” costs approximately $500,000 to build. The program strives to provide personal independence and freedom to each of these severely injured heroes. Based on their specific needs, the “Smart Homes” normally feature retractable cooktops, cabinets and shelving, automated lighting, heating, air-conditioning and window treatments controlled by an iPad, as well as elevators, roll- in bathrooms, front-load washers and dryers, intercom systems and automated doors.
The 2013 Lt. Dan Band Benefit Concert Series will include the following dates:
May 10, 2013 – Tampa, FL – SGT. Michael Nicholson
May 11, 2013 – Fayetteville, NC – MSG. John Masson & SSGT. Thomas McRae
May 19, 2013 – Jacksonville, AL – SGT. Ben Tomlinson
June 28, 2013 – Cedar Falls, IA – EOD2. Taylor Morris
June 29, 2013 – St. Paul, MN – CPL. Mark Litynski
July 26, 2013 – Augusta, ME – SSG. Travis Mills
July 27, 2013 – Long Island, NY – CPT. Ben Harrow
August 9, 2013 – Pittsburg, PA – CPL. Doug Vitale
October 4, 2013 – San Antonio, TX – GySGT. Travis Green
November 2, 2013 – Tucson, AZ – SSGT. Matthew Lammers
TBD – Oklahoma – SGT. Rusty Dunagan
Gary Sinise commented, “The partnership between the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and the Gary Sinise Foundation is dedicated to honoring and helping those severely injured veterans who have paid a huge price for volunteering to fight in our wars since 9/11.” He further adds, “I encourage everyone to support these veterans by coming out to our Lt. Dan Band benefit concerts. Proceeds of the concerts will go towards assisting a local wounded veteran.”
Frank Siller, Chairman of the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation says, “There is nothing more noble and important than to recognize the contributions and sacrifices of our U.S. servicemen and women. Our American way of life depends on their selflessness and resolve” He further says, “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.”
Donations can be made at
http://www.GarySiniseFoundation.org or
http://www.Tunnel2Towers.org.
Helpful Videos on Previous “Smart Homes” built by both Foundations…
CPL. Tyler Huffman’s Smart Home: See Video
TECH SGT. Joe Wilkinson’s Smart Home: See Video
CPL. Juan Dominquez’s Smart Home: See Video
SGT. John Peck’s Smart Home: See Video
CPL. Todd Nicely’s Smart Home: See Video
SGT. Brendan Marrocco’s Smart Home: See Video
Facts:
● The Gary Sinise Foundation serves our nation by supporting and honoring our defenders, veterans, first responders, their families and those in need. One of its premiere programs, Building for America’s Bravest, is dedicated to providing customized “Smart Homes” for severely wounded heroes. For more information, visit
http://www.GarySiniseFoundation.org. Donate to Building For America’s Bravest program at
www.garysinisefoundation.org/about/programs_detail/557/● The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, best known for its annual Tunnel to Towers Run at Ground Zero in New York City, is committed to building specially-adapted “Smart Homes” for the most seriously wounded U.S. service personnel through its Building for America’s Bravest program. For more information, go to
http://www.Tunnel2Towers.org .
● American Airlines is the official airline of the Gary Sinise Foundation, and also serves as the official airline for the Building For America’s Bravest program.
