FORT BENNING, Ga., (Nov. 5, 2014) -- Iraqi Freedom veteran and retired Sgt. 1st Class Mike Schlitz and his mother, Robbie Schlitz, were honored Oct. 30 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for their new home built in Fortson, Georgia.
Mike Schlitz served in Baghdad in 2007 where he was wounded when the Humvee he was in was struck by an improvised explosive device. He suffered burns over 85 percent of his body, lost both his arms and the sight in his left eye. Three 10th Mountain Division Soldiers serving alongside him died.
"I have to thank all the people, the sponsors, the people who came together to build the home," Mike Schlitz said. "But, I also have to thank the people who went online and donated to the house: my friends, my Family, people who had no idea who I was who donated to make this happen."
The Schlitz's home is one of many being built across the country through the support of Building for America's Bravest, a partner program of the Gary Sinise Foundation's R.I.S.E. program and Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
"Today, I have my freedom, my independence, my dignity because of (Mike Schlitz); the same freedom, independence and dignity this home will give you and your mother," said Jim Shubert, a member of the board of directors of the Gary Sinise Foundation.
While representatives of the foundations and corporations involved spoke about Mike and of their commitment to projects such as the Schlitz smart home, what was brought up more was the joy he brought them through his courage and sense of humor throughout his entire struggle.
"You don't know the infectious type of enthusiasm that you have upon other people," Schubert said. "I am grateful that I have the opportunity to know you."
Gary Sinise, of the Gary Sinise Foundation, is an actor, film director and musician, having played the role of Lt. Dan in the movie Forrest Gump and starring in the crime show series CSI: New York.
His band, Gary Sinise and the LT Dan Band, performs for deployed troops around the world. Sinise formed the Gary Sinise Foundation to support America's defenders, veterans and first responders and their loved ones.
While he was not present at the ceremony, he did share his thoughts of Mike Schlitz in a letter which Judy Otter, executive director of the foundation, read to the crowd.
"There was something amazing about Mike that was evident from the first moment I met him," Sinise wrote in his letter. "Despite how far he still had to go with the repairs to his face and body, his sense of humor and courage in the face of these tremendous obstacles was shining through. He was an Army Ranger through and through, his mother, Robbie, by his side no matter what."
The Schlitz home was built specifically to cater to his unique needs and to allow his mother more freedom.
"It is our hope that this new smart home and its specially designed features will act as a daily offering and reminder of our thanks," Sinise wrote. "Mike has inspired so many since the early days of his injury. He continues to lead the way in encouraging American citizens to take up the charge for his fellow wounded service members and Family members who support them."
Mike Schlitz and his mother were presented the iPad to their new smart home during the ceremony, which controls everything in the house from the shades to the lighting. The home is also energy efficient, automated and uses adaptive technology.
"It took a lot to get to where we are," Mike Schlitz said. "It was well worth the stress, well worth the sleepless nights."
Mike Schlitz presented gifts of gratitude to several attending representatives who aided in the completion of the house.
"Like any project or any mission, or anything you do, there are always people that go a little further than the call of duty," Mike Schlitz said.
Other contributors to the completion of the home included Marcus Foundation, CMG Foundation, Home Depot Foundation, CMC Commercial Metals, The Carrington Companies, Carrington Charitable Foundation, Shubert Design Furniture, CORE Brands, Qmotion, Carpet One, Mohawk Flooring, General Electric, CORD Moving and Storage, North American Moving Services and more.
"This is a great forever home," Robbie Schlitz said, "It will allow Michael to be independent, it will allow him to have his friends and we are so glad to be here in Georgia."
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