October 1, 2011, while conduct- ing combat operations, Andrew was in a vehicle that was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED). He suffered extreme injuries that led to a double leg amputation and a left arm amputation. Andrew shared, “Always push yourself no matter what life brings your way. If you do not like your situation, change it. Do not blame somebody else for it and do not wait for somebody else to do some- thing about it. You are not entitled to anything, only what you make your own. Take control of your own life, because life is what you make of it, so make the best of it.” The R.I.S.E. foundation provides specially-adapted smart homes, home modifications, mobility devices, and adapted vehicles to America’s most severely wounded heroes and their families. By the end of 2017, 59 specially-adapted smart homes will have been built or are underway. For more coverage of this story, please visit the link: www. k u s i . c o m / s t o r y / 3 5 7 0 0 3 0 3 / gary-sinise-foundation-dedicates- smart-home-to-wounded-veteran. To learn more about the Gary Sinise Foundation R.I.S.E. program, visit this link: www.garysinise foundation.org/programs/rise. HELPING HANDS ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 80 TileLetter | August 2017