“Halfway Home” for San Diego R.I.S.E. Project
SAN DIEGO – For anyone getting a home custom-built, the halfway mark is a turning point – but it ended up as a big event here last month for a deserving homeowner-to-be and his family.
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On June 19, representatives from several industry companies and groups teamed up with the Gary Sinise Foundation to contribute their time and express their gratitude for U.S. Navy EOD1 Andrew Bottrell (Ret.) via the Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment (R.I.S.E.) program constructing custom-built homes for severely wounded veterans.
During a“Walls of Honor”event, in which Bottrell’s specially-adapted “Smart Home” hit its mid-point in construction, well-wishers honored the veteran by writing words of gratitude on framing and unfinished walls within the structure.
Bottrell attended Explosive Ordinance Disposal school in 2008 and was later deployed to Afghanistan. In November 2011, as Seal Team 10 conducted combat operations, his vehicle was struck by explosives. Though he survived the attack, he suffered severe injuries that resulted in the amputation of his legs and left arm.
His new home is intended to lessen some of the daily inconveniences he may have encountered in a traditionally-built home.
The construction is organized by the foundation’s R.I.S.E. program and focuses on building homes that cater to the unique needs of veterans who were injured in combat. Homes are designed with modifications intended to improve the veteran’s ease of mobility as well as support their families and caregivers via custom-built features. First-responders and their families are also honored through this and other charitable Gary Sinise Foundation programs.
Industry companies and groups represented at the Walls of Honor signing included Arizona Tile, the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA), and the Marble Institute of America-Building Stone Institute (MIA+BSI)
Bottrell, his wife Lindsey, and their daughter Jessa attended the event, and were honored by various speakers. Although words of gratitude were given to Bottrell, he was gracious in his response. He shared these inspirational words of wisdom:
“Always push yourself no matter what life brings your way. If you do not like your situation, change it,” he said. “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.”
For more information regarding the Gary Sinise Foundation R.I.S.E. Program,visit: https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/programs/rise
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