Actor Gary Sinise Welcomes Wounded Veteran Into New Home

CHEVY CHASE, Md. (WJZ) -- It was a Veterans Day celebration with a focus on home. More specifically, a brand new home, sponsored by actor Gary Sinise's foundation aiding wounded veterans.

The motorcycles rumbled into a quiet Chevy Chase neighborhood escorting Captain Luis Avila and his family. Waiting was actor Gary Sinise and scores of family, friends and neighbors.

Severely injured in an IED blast in Iraq, the Avilas were moving into their new home.

"And it is my honor to be here to honor him and his family on this special day," said Sinise.

The Avilas are the 15th family this year to receive a home sponsored by the Gary Sinise Foundation.

The state-of-the-art house was specially designed to give Luis Avila not only freedom of movement, but a degree of independence not found in a standard home.

"Thank you for all you've given and for all you've sacrificed on behalf of this nation," said Sinise.

The ceremony ended with a heartfelt thanks from the Avila family.

"Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart," Captain Avila's wife, Claudia, said.

"It's not a key, it's an iPad, and it's going to make this house work," said Sinise. "Congratulations on your new home. Welcome home, my friend."

Captain Avila was wounded in 2011 and has been recovering at Walter Reed Hospital, just down the street from his new home.