Legrand has donated solutions from its Vantage and Legrand Shading Systems brands, which were used in a customized smart home for U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Jose Armenta, who was severely injured in Afghanistan. Provided by the Gary Sinise Foundation as part of the Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment (R.I.S.E.) program, the home and its technologies are designed to make Cpl. Armenta’s life more comfortable and convenient. The home installation was done by Paradise InfoTech in California.
“Collaborating with Paradise InfoTech for the Gary Sinise Foundation’s R.I.S.E program is a profound privilege,” says Richard Laliberty, product marketing manager, shading and Vantage residential controls, Legrand North America. “Cpl. Armenta is a hero, and we’re honored to do our part in helping make his daily life more seamless and comfortable.”
In the summer of 2011, Armenta was deployed and attached to the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion in the upper Sangin Valley of Afghanistan where he participated in over 50 combat missions with his bomb dog, Zenit. While on security patrol with his platoon and Zenit, Armenta stepped on a pressure plate containing over 10 pounds of homemade explosives. As a result, he lost both of his legs above the knees. The adapted smart-technology home built through R.I.S.E. is designed to give him the mental and physical freedom to live and care for his family safely.
Precise control over the home lighting is delivered by Vantage’s InFusion Controller, while automated shading is provided by Legrand Shading Systems motorized and manual shades. Cpl. Armenta interacts with his lighting and shading systems via EasyTouch Glass keypads located throughout the home.
To learn more about Armenta’s story, visit www.garysinisefoundation.org/specially-adapted-smart-homes/jose-armenta.
