Triple Amputee Veteran to Benefit from a 'Smart Home'

FORT BRAGG, N.C. -- Tuesday afternoon at a local Festival Park downtown, an exciting announcement was made for two triple amputee Veterans. A kickoff fundraiser concert on September 13 by Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band was announced to raise funds to build the Wounded Warriors a "Smart Home".

The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation and the Gary Sinise Foundation hope to raise funds through ticket sales to build both of the residences. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling toll free: 1-800-293-5949.

John Hodge, The Director of Operations for the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundations, introduced the two recipients for the "Smart Homes", Army Master Sgt. John Masson and Marine Staff Sgt. John McRae.

Masson became a triple amputee in October 2010 and hopes to have his "Smart Home" built in Southern Pines. Currently the family resides in an apartment that cannot accomodate his situation. He joked with the crowd that once he gets into his "Smart Home" he might never leave it, except to thank the people, of course.

The Fayetteville resident and father of three first heard about his "Smart Home" initiative while he was still in Walter Reed Hospital. "I was stunned. My jaw was on the ground," said Masson. "It was a good, refreshing feeling to know that people were thinking about me and my family."

"Smart Homes" are specially adapted residences for the most seriously wounded servicemembers through the Building for America's Brave program. The homes will contain custom kitchens run from an iPad with countertops that can be lowered to Masson's height, windows and treatments that are also controlled via the iPad making it simple for him to have some control of his high-tech home while giving his wife a piece of mind that he will be safe enabling her to leave the home for short spans of time.

Named after a heroic 911 New York firefighter killed after running running into the wreckage to rescue others, the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation is a tribute to his namesake.

Fayetteville's First Lady Joanne Chavonne teared up as she ended her speech stating that Stephen would be proud of the efforts made today in his name for the Veterans.

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