BY KAREN BOSSICK

Matthew Krumwiede’s life was changed forever on June 12, 2012, when he stepped on an IED as his patrol was attacked in the Kandahar Province of Afghanistan. He lost both legs above the knee and suffered injuries to his left arm and hand and his abdomen.

On Thursday—13 years to the day of his accident—Krumwiede gladly embraced another life-changing experience when he was given--not the keys--but the iPad to a mortgage-free Specially Adapted Smart Technology Home.

The home in the Griffin Ranch neighborhood south of Bellevue was built by the Gary Sinise Foundation with help from national and local partners.

Matthew Krumwiede even found dishes, towels and food in the cupboards when he saw his finished house for the first time on Wednesday.

“I’m forever grateful to receive this gift from the Gary Sinise Foundation and this community,” Krumwiede told 159 people who turned out for the dedication Thursday morning. ““I love it here—it has so much space. And I want to honor it by living the best life I can.”

The single-story house with its cedar wainscot and stone sits on a lot that Krumwiede picked two years ago for its view of Bald Mountain. The Foundation broke ground a year ago in June 2024 after designing a home that met Krumwiede’s knees.

Friends and families wrote messages of encouragement and praise on the inner walls last fall.

“Just knowing so many messages of kindness are behind the walls is really special,” Krumwiede said.

Matthew Krumwiede, who received the Purple Heart and Combat Infantry Badge, raises the flag in his front yard.

The spacious house offers low countertops and the ability to roll a wheelchair underneath the sinks in the bathroom. A large bench in the spacious bathroom enables him to transition easily from his wheelchair to the bench, and he can pull out shelves from cabinets while seated in his wheelchair.

This is the 96th home that the Gary Sinise Foundation has built since its founding in 2011.

“We’re here to celebrate an amazing hero and an amazing community,” Pete Franzen, director of R.I.S.E.  told the audience. “And what an amazing location. I’ve attended many dedications of homes across the country but none in a setting like this.”

The ceremony started a half-hour late because the Patriot Guard Riders escorting Krumwiede and his girlfriend Sarah Butler was bogged down in traffic due to the repaving being done on Bellevue’s Main Street.

Matthew Krumwiede show off the bench in his shower.

Finally, they arrived as Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA” and Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” blasted from speakers.

Krumwiede kicked things off by playing the National Anthem on a harmonica.

“I love it here—it has so much space.  

Krumwiede grew up in Pocatello where he snowboarded at Pebble Creek and earned Eagle Scout badges. He and his twin brother joined the U.S. Army in 2010 after graduating from high school. A year later he deployed to Afghanistan.

The Purple Guard Riders carry flags into the ceremony.

“Ever since I was 2, that’s what me and my twin brother wanted to do. We liked the adventure of it, the excitement the camaraderie,” he said.

After being hit, the Army sergeant spent three years at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, undergoing 50 surgeries and learning how to walk again. He met Sinise, a “Forrest Gump” star when the actor and his Lt. Dan Band played a concert.

And, when it came time to settle down, he applied for the actor’s R.I.S.E. (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment) program, which provides custom homes to veterans free of charge.

“I came here as part of a ski camp offered by Higher Ground, and I came back to volunteer, living out of my truck. Now, I’m alumni coordinator for Higher Ground, I talk with veterans, help them write a plan of action and see how they’re following up on their goals.”

Sinise, who hosts PBS’s Memorial Day show every year, gifted Krumwiede with his book, “Grateful American,” writing in it, “You’re a freedom fighter, and I will never take your sacrifice for granted.”

“I hope this custom home will act as a daily reminder of our thanks,” he added later.

“Matthew’s journey is one of resilience and strength, and we’re thrilled to be on this journey with him,…Welcome home, said Gib Bosworth, vice president of R.I.S.E.

About 30 national partners contributed to the effort, including Home Depot and Amazon.

Local partners included Lunceford Excavation, Fireplace Outfitters, Color Phase, K&S Engineering, AC Houston Lumber, Advanced Data & Electrical, Clear Creek, Franklin Building Supply, Glass Works, High Country Heating, Johnson Rowell Builders, Webb Landscaping, Piping Hot, Precision Masonry and Pump and Smania Fine Finishing.

Ryan, a spokesperson for Color Phase, said most of his company’s projects in the areas are second homes, and they’re referred to by number. His crew called Krumwiede’s home, El soldado, meaning soldier.

“We usually don’t meet owners of the homes we’re working for or know anything about them. But we were grateful to be part of something where we felt we could give something back to someone who has given so much to us,” he said.

The home’s builder/designer Daniel Fairbanks said he, too, typically works on homes of the richest 1 percent who are building their third, fourth or fifth home.

“So, it was awesome to work on a home that will mean so much to someone.”