In December 2016, Caleb Brewer’s life changed forever. On the same day he turned 31, he lost both his legs in an explosion during combat as a Green Beret in the United States Army serving in Afghanistan.
Yet he never stopped fighting. Just three months after the accident, Caleb learned to walk again on prosthetic legs.
Caleb relearned to shoot, run, surf and rock climb with his new legs and even competed in events like the Bataan Memorial Death March. To honor his sacrifice for our country and his incredible recovery, The Home Depot Foundation partnered with the Gary Sinise Foundation to build a specially adapted smart home for the family. Sinise’s Foundation’s program (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment) provides wounded veterans with new, mortgage-free homes as a step to regaining independence.
Caleb, his wife, Ashley and their two daughters were presented with their new home in February 2019. “If you don’t ever have a situation where you need support … you have no idea the incredible network that’s out there,” says Caleb.
Their home is equipped with the best in smart technology and incudes special features specifically made for Caleb’s needs. It contains a state-of-the-art gym facility with modified equipment that makes it accessible and easy-to-use for Caleb and his clients.
“Creating spaces within the home that motivate [veterans] to fuel their passions is a centerpiece of our program,” says a Gary Sinise Foundation spokesperson.
On the day of the home dedication ceremony, Caleb’s community showed up in big numbers to support him and his family. Caleb returned the thanks, saying that when he looks down at his prosthetics, he sees “... a deposit on freedom.”
The Home Depot Foundation works to improve the homes and lives of U.S. veterans, train skilled tradespeople to fill the labor gap and support communities impacted by natural disasters. In 2018, the Foundation pledged an additional $250 million to veteran causes, taking the total commitment to half a billion dollars by 2025.
To learn more, visit homedepotfoundation.org
