New home for "extraordinary Marine"

Fallbrook has welcomed a new family to town – that of U.S. Marine Corps SSgt. Jason Ross, thanks to the Gary Sinise Foundation.

On Friday, Aug. 21, the Gary Sinise Foundation's R.I.S.E. (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment) program presented Ross and his family with the keys and a custom iPad to a brand new, specially-adapted 'smart home' they built for him on Ramona Drive. The residence has been built to accommodate Ross' disabilities as a result of being injured while serving his country.

"This home is a simple way for us to say 'thank you' for your service and sacrifice," said foundation representative Chris Kuban at a special ceremony attended by about 300 people outside the new home. "This is a small token to help you get your independence back."

A native of Livermore, Ross was actively involved in Boys Scouts of America and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He graduated from Granada High School and joined the Marine Corps in 2001. After returning from a tour in Japan in 2004, he re-enlisted to a new field – Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD). In that specialty, he was deployed twice to Afghanistan between 2009 and 2011.

"In 2011, Jason nearly lost his life when he stepped on an Improvised Explosive Device (IED)," said Kuban. "As a result of the blast, Jason lost both of his legs and suffered additional severe, soft-tissue damage. He was originally only given a two percent chance of survival."

"These special individuals place themselves in harm's way to protect our freedom," Gary Sinise wrote in a special message read by Kuban at the ceremony. "He sacrificed so much; we can never truly repay him. It's up to us to care for our heroes before, during, and after the battle. This house is a small symbol of our gratitude."

After his injury, Ross spent the next three years in and out of the hospital, undergoing over 200 surgeries. "Jason was treated at both Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., and later at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego," it was said.

At the home dedication event, representatives from the Gary Sinise Foundation as well as donors to the program were on hand. Some of those recognized were from Carrington Companies, Carrington Charitable Foundation, Core Brands, Home Depot, the National Wood Flooring Association, and MLA General Contractors.

One of the most memorable moments in the celebration occurred when one of SSgt Ross' two young daughters addressed the crowd.

"I love my Daddy," said Stacy Ross. "When I was little, my Dad got hurt really bad. He was in the hospital a long time. He is so strong and brave. I am so happy to have a house where my Daddy has more room to play with us. Me and Jackie (sister) each have our own rooms and my Grandma and Grandpa can live with us too. I am thankful that God made Mr. Gary Sinise. He is a nice man and I like it when he plays his guitar."

SSgt Ross' new home in Fallbrook is the 23rd completed by the foundation. Money is raised for the foundation through the large number of concerts Gary Sinise performs with his Lt. Dan Band.

Bill Wagasy, director of veteran outreach for the foundation, told the crowd, "It is all about family and all about community – to help these wounded heroes move forward."

To learn more about the Gary Sinise Foundation, visit www.garysinisefoundation.org.

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