Gary Sinise Foundation RISE Program: Casey Jones Smart Home Project
The Gary Sinise Foundation RISE Program is providing U.S. Army veteran Casey Jones and his wife, Shannon, with a specially adapted smart home designed to improve accessibility, independence, comfort, and healthy living following the life-changing injuries Casey sustained while serving in Afghanistan.
Casey Jones' Story
Casey Jones grew up in Sharpsville, Indiana, where he enjoyed a close relationship with his family. After graduating from high school, Casey felt a calling to serve something greater than himself and joined the U.S. Army in 2008, eventually becoming a Senior Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team member.
On May 16, 2013, while deployed in Senjaray, Afghanistan, Casey was tasked with clearing a compound that would serve as the location for a command post. While assisting his team leader, Casey stepped on a pressure-plate improvised explosive device (IED), which detonated beneath him and resulted in the loss of both of his legs.
Recovery and Military Service
Following the explosion, Casey was transported to the NATO Role 3 Multinational Medical Unit before eventually arriving at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Inspired by the determination and progress of fellow amputees, Casey committed himself to the demanding process of rehabilitation.
Over the next two years, he learned to walk again. Throughout his recovery, his wife Shannon remained by his side, supporting him every step of the way.
Casey served our nation from October 2012 through May 2013 and received numerous military honors, including:
- Purple Heart
- Army Commendation Medal (2)
- NCO Development Award
- Good Conduct Medal (2)
- Afghanistan Campaign Medal
A Specially Adapted Smart Home
Today, Casey and Shannon live in Knoxville, Tennessee, with their four pets. Their existing two-story home does not fully accommodate Casey's accessibility needs.
Through the Gary Sinise Foundation's RISE Program, Casey and Shannon will receive a specially adapted smart home designed to reduce daily challenges, improve accessibility, and provide greater independence and comfort in their everyday lives.
About the Gary Sinise Foundation and Broan-NuTone Partnership
Broan-NuTone believes everyone deserves a home that provides comfort along with clean, healthy indoor air—especially those who have sacrificed in service to our country.
That is why Broan-NuTone proudly supports the Gary Sinise Foundation's RISE Program, which builds one-of-a-kind specially adapted smart homes for some of our nation's most severely wounded heroes.
Broan-NuTone contributes ventilation solutions including exhaust fans with motion and humidity sensing technology, fresh air systems, and ADA-compliant range hoods that help make maintaining fresh, healthy indoor air easier for homeowners.