Wounded Warrior Celebrates Groundbreaking Of New Smart House
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- The Fourth of July comes one day early for one of the nation's wounded warriors. He celebrated the groundbreaking of a brand new smart house in Annapolis.
As Gigi Barnett reports, it means a newfound sense of independence.
Four years ago, Army Sergeant Adam Keys moved into Walter Reed Medical Center. A roadside bomb in Afghanistan left him with a brain injury and three missing limbs. But the triple-amputee will have a new home soon--one that will work at the push of a button.
"I'm amazed. It looks beautiful. I can't wait to get in there," said Keys.
One day before the Fourth of July, the groundbreaking at his new property marks the start of independence for Keys. A team of builders, architects and military foundations designed and donated supplies for his new smart house.
In it, doors and lights are automated, kitchen counters can move and the master bath comes with enough room for his wheelchair.
"It's a small way to say that we thank them for their service. But they're so grateful because they know it gives them back some of their independence. These guys are the most independent guys in the world," said Frank Siller, Tunnel To Towers Foundation.
"He's just so positive and he's made it very easy for me and my husband and my daughter to go through this with him," said Julie Keys, Sgt. Key's mother.
Sgt. Key's mother quit her job four years ago to take care of him. She says the new house will help the entire family.
"I'm very happy. This is such a good day for Adam. It's a move forward. He has a Facebook page he calls 'One Step Forward,' and this is another step in his journey,"she said.
Sgt. Keys retires at the end of this year. He will move into his brand new, 2,800 square foot, three bedroom smart home within six to eight months.
Sgt. Keys says he plans to become a motivational speaker once he moves into the house.
Meanwhile, the Stephen Siller Tunnel To Towers Foundation, which is heading the project, has built more than 30 homes for wounded warriors nationwide.
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