Legrand today announced that donated solutions from its Vantage brand were used in a customized smart home for U.S. Army Captain Jason Church, who was severely injured in Afghanistan. Provided by the Gary Sinise Foundation as part of the Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment (R.I.S.E.) program, the home and its technologies are designed to make Capt. Church’s life more comfortable and convenient. The home installation was done by Audio Video Specialists in Elgin, Illinois.

“We are proud to work with our dealers and reps in support of the Gary Sinise Foundation’s R.I.S.E. program and our vets,” said Richard Laliberty, Product Marketing Manager, Shading and Vantage Residential Controls, Legrand North America. “We hope that Capt. Church will find his new home comfortable and enjoyable. We are grateful for heroes like you.”

On Aug. 23, 2012, Church was out on his first deployment to Afghanistan. While conducting a routine patrol with his unit, it quickly became clear that he and the others were walking into an ambush and standing in a field of improvised explosive devices. Sensing the urgency to vacate the area, Church attempted to knock over a wall to create an escape route; however, a loud explosion rang out, knocking him unconscious and severing both of his legs below the knee. He spent two and a half months in in-patient care, enduring 20 surgeries to save his legs and his life. The adapted smart-technology home built through R.I.S.E. is designed to give him the mental and physical freedom to live safely.

Precise control over the home’s lighting is delivered by Vantage. Capt. Church interacts with his lighting via EasyTouch Glass keypads located throughout the home.

To learn more about Church’s story, visit www.garysinisefoundation.org/specially-adapted-smart-homes/jason-church.