INSIGHT Magazine May 2013 | Page 32

OPERATION BEN

homes , and Ben will be involved with the actual design of the building .
“ We know what the ADA [ Americans With Disabilities Act ] requirements are , but we get [ the veterans ] involved in the process of building the homes ,” said Chris Kuban , a representative of the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation . Ben will be able to make decisions from the basic layout of the house to what color the flooring will be . It ’ s meant to be a home to last the rest of his life .
The partner foundations have so far built six smart houses , with six more under construction and another 13 pledged this year , a total of 25 veterans with new homes , higher quality of living and more self-reliance .
As a Marine , Ben is used to being independent , and a smarthome will allow him to take some of the workload back onto himself and away from his family , who he says have been an unbelievable support since his injury .
“ I know they don ’ t mind doing it , but I ’ m the kind of guy that hates to ask for help anyway ,” said Ben . “ I don ’ t like to burden other people with my stuff . This will take care of a lot of that .”
“ You have a chance to make a real difference ,” said Angie Finley , Public Relations Specialist at JSU . “ A lot of people don ’ t realize that all the money goes to Ben .” The stadium seats up to 24,000 people , space donated by the university , and , according to Finley , the concert itself is entirely paid for by Sinise , though generous contributions from companies like AOD Credit Union have helped cover the costs . Finley considers it all a worthwhile effort to show solidarity with veterans everywhere .
“ It ’ s our way of letting the people who ’ ve sacrificed for us know that we appreciate that sacrifice ,” said Finley . •
32 April 2013

INSIGHT