WASHINGTON — A Montgomery County man who served his country received a special homecoming Friday, Veterans Day, with the help of actor Gary Sinise.
Capt. Luis Avila and his family received a “smart home” that the Gary Sinise Foundation built to give the veteran independence. Avila, who served combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, was injured when an improvised bomb exploded in 2011. He lost his left leg and suffered two strokes, two heart attacks and brain damage.
“We’re able to do this kind of thing all over the country for men and women who have served and sacrificed and who are going to have special needs for the rest of their lives,” Sinise said.
The Gary Sinise Foundation is building 50 smart homes — including Avila’s — for wounded veterans and their families. Sinise, who famously played a wounded veteran in the Oscar-winning movie “Forest Gump,” has worked through his foundation to serve and honor veterans and their families.
“Today is Veterans Day, but to me, in the work that I do and the way I see things, I just feel like every day should be Veterans Day,” Sinise said.
Avila, who receives therapy at nearby Walter Reed National Medical Center, said the house means so much for his wife, Claudia Avila, and their three sons.
“We love our country, we love all of you and we appreciate what you all do for all of us,” Claudia Avila said.
Avila looked up to his wife, signaling to her that he had something to add. He spoke in a voice that was strong, but not always clear, so Claudia repeated his message. “Also — stay strong, and never quit.”
The house includes features that let Luis Avila do much more on his own: an elevator, automatic-opening doors and a front door that opens with an iPad. Claudia Avila called the house a “road to freedom.”
“This is going to be our house; our home,” she said. “(It will) restore his independence, mobility and pride. He’ll be able to navigate everywhere in the house without supervision.”
WTOP’s Kate Ryan contributed to this report from Chevy Chase, Maryland. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
