SSG Christopher Walker (left) and Caitlin Dennison Photo by Vernon Miles.
There are roughly 11,200 veterans living in Alexandria, according to the Military Times, and with the help of several national charities and actor Gary Sinise, this spring there will be one more.
Staff Sergeant Christopher Walker grew up in Virginia and joined the army in 2003. Walker served his second tour in the Khost Province of Afghanistan as an Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) team leader. On April 24, 2012, Walker was struck by an improvised explosive device, causing him to lose both his arms and his left leg, as well as suffering other severe injuries throughout his body.
Now, the Gary Sinise Foundation has partnered with a number of other organizations to help create a smart home to fit Walker’s needs. According to Chris Kuban with the Gary Sinise Foundation, everything in the home was built to run off of an iPad, including security, doors, and the blinds.
“Everything here is designed with Chris in mind,” said Kuban.
On Jan. 5, Walker gathered with members of the foundation and other charities to celebrate the construction of the main body of the building. Supporters wrote messages of welcome and hope around the wooden walls.
Mike Dameron, owner of Windmill Hill Design Build, said most of the supplies and furnishings throughout the construction process were donated.
“We build a lot of houses,” said Dameron, “but this one is special. This is not a simple house to build. It was a process getting it done. But here we are, under a roof.”
Walker says his favorite thing about the new house is how big it is.
“The main layout is so great,” said Walker. “Having so much extra space is going to be great.”
Walker said living in Alexandria was a dream of his.
“I’ve been told Alexandria was the number one place for veterans,” said Walker. “I wanted to be here.”
Currently, Walker is living in Maryland and says it can be difficult to travel for food and other supplies. Caitlin Dennison, his girlfriend, said she looked forward to not being so isolated. Walker said they originally wanted to be closer to Old Town, but their Realtors helped them find a lot with larger space availability that would allow them access to Old Town and was close enough to the interstate to reach Walter Reed for treatment.
Walker personally helped with the design to ensure it would work with his needs. Kuban said the final cost of the house won’t be known until the home is finished. The house is expected to be completed in the spring with a March or April opening.