In a heartwarming display of generosity and community support, retired U.S. Army Sergeant Joshua Hargis and his family have been granted a brand-new home, mortgage-free, courtesy of the collaboration between LP Building Solutions and the Gary Sinise Foundation. This momentous occasion occurred on a Tuesday, where the two organizations joined hands to honor Hargis, a highly decorated Army Ranger and K9 handler who has dedicated his life to serving his country.
Sergeant Hargis is no stranger to sacrifice. He served four tours in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, and during his final deployment, he faced life-altering injuries. The circumstances of his service highlight the sacrifices made by many military personnel, as Hargis’s commitment to his country came at a tremendous personal cost. This new home in Nashville, Tennessee, symbolizes not just a shelter but also a new chapter in life for Hargis and his family, providing a safe and supportive environment tailored to their needs.
The heart of this initiative lies within the Gary Sinise Foundation’s R.I.S.E. (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment) program, which focuses on assisting veterans by providing them with custom homes designed to fit their specific circumstances. In collaboration with LP Building Solutions, they have transformed this vision into a tangible reality for the Hargis family. LP Building Solutions, a company that specializes in building products, has contributed significantly to this project by donating essential materials such as trim and siding, alongside financial assistance through its LP Foundation, underscoring the company’s commitment to supporting veterans.
Since their partnership began in 2022, the LP Foundation has been actively involved in providing homes to veterans. By now, they have successfully donated eight homes customized for different families in need, which speaks to their ongoing commitment to serving those who have served. The Executive Vice President of the Gary Sinise Foundation, Jim Ravella, shared his appreciation for the partnership, recognizing the invaluable support that LP Building Solutions provides in honoring the sacrifices made by veterans like Sergeant Hargis.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Craig Sichling, Vice President of Specialty Sales & Marketing at LP, reflected on the profound emotions this project evoked. He noted that the dedication ceremony for Hargis’s home was a powerful experience. He described the impactful moment of meeting Hargis and his family, where various speakers shared insights and stories, celebrating the courage and resilience of veterans. Hargis, a double amputee, now has a home specifically designed for his special needs. The charitable act of building and delivering this house, entirely mortgage-free, is a testament to the dedication and compassion of both LP and the Gary Sinise Foundation.
The backstory of Sergeant Hargis further amplifies the significance of this gift. As a graduate of the Army Ranger School and trained K9 Handler in the esteemed 75th Ranger Regiment, he faced unimaginable challenges while serving. On October 5, 2013, during a critical mission, Hargis and his K9 companion, Jany, were involved in a night raid that tragically resulted in catastrophic injuries for his unit. The horror of that night is vivid in Hargis’s memory, as he recounted the buried IEDs and explosive vests worn by their targets. The aftermath of the raid was devastating, leading to the loss of friends and fellow soldiers, and it also resulted in Hargis sustaining severe injuries that required battlefield amputations.
Joshua Hargis represents the sacrifice, bravery, and resilience of countless veterans who have faced immense challenges in service to their country. The customized home provided by the synergy of LP Building Solutions and the Gary Sinise Foundation stands as a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting and honoring those who have dedicated their lives to protecting freedom. As Hargis and his family settle into their new mortgage-free home, it is an opportunity for them to rebuild and thrive, surrounded by a community that recognizes their sacrifices.