Hardwood Floors February/March 2017

Supporting Wounded Veterans One Floor at a Time By Anita Howard

Each of us lives with the understanding that life can change in an instant. Few of us, however, have had to endure circumstances that alter the course of not only our own lives, but the lives of our immediate family members and loved ones as well. United States Army Captain Luis Avila’s life-changing instant occurred on Dec. 27, 2011. That is when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated near him and his team in Afghanistan during his fifth combat tour. Three soldiers were lost that day, and two were wounded. CPT Avila’s injuries were severe, causing the amputation of his left leg, two strokes, two heart attacks, and anoxic brain damage brought on by a severe lack of oxygen. His wife, Claudia, and their three sons stood by his hospital bedside and prayed as CPT Avila remained in a coma for 40 days with little hope for recovery.

Life changed for CPT Avila again on Feb. 13, 2012 when he woke up from that coma. While he had survived his injuries, he now had to face the many obstacles those injuries would present for him and his family. About this same time, a foundation was being established by a dedicated humanitarian to help severely wounded veterans like CPT Avila face their new life challenges. In 2011, actor Gary Sinise founded the Gary Sinise Foundation (GSF) to ensure the sacrifices made by America’s defenders and their families are never forgotten. The foundation’s efforts support veterans, active duty servicemen and women, first responders, and their loved ones. One of their many outreach programs includes R.I.S.E. (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment). R.I.S.E. is building specially adapted smart homes for our most severely wounded heroes. The program also provides adapted vehicles, mobility devices, and home modifications for our wounded, injured, ill and aging veterans from all military conflicts.

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