(Photo Credit: Andrew Rush/Post-Gazette)

Actor wants to help military members by building smart homes

Gary Sinise, the actor who famously played a disabled Vietnam veteran in the film Forrest Gump, has been quietly supporting veterans’ causes ever since. The Gary Sinise Foundation is also helping out police officers injured in the line of duty, building them smart homes to make life a little easier.

On the 18th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, Sinise announced he was donating smart homes to two injured police officers.

“From the carnage and loss of life that September day, Gary was resolved to take action and commit to those who bravely raised their right hand and took an oath to faithfully serve and protect our nation and communities. The 9/11 attacks were a turning point in his life and a pivotal step in his journey from self to service,” The Foundation said.

“Smart homes” help the disabled to live with greater independence and mobility, by making everyday tasks more accessible, the Foundation said.

“As part of the Gary Sinise Foundation Restoring Independence and Supporting Empowerment (R.I.S.E.) program, we’re proud to announce the latest recipients of a future specially adapted smart home,” The Foundation said in a press release on Sept. 11. “Retired police officers Mathew Crosby of the Rock Hill Police Department in St. Louis and Ryan O’Connor of the Arnold Police Department in Jefferson County whose sacrifices made in the line of duty while serving their respective communities permanently changed the course of their life and that of their family.”