In 2012, U.S. Army Ranger Master Sergeant (MSG) Cedric King endured the loss of both legs after encountering an IED during his deployment in Afghanistan. Facing the daunting challenge of life as a double amputee, Cedric refused to surrender hope, driven by his commitment to his wife and two daughters. Demonstrating remarkable resilience, he completed his 21st marathon last year.
Throughout his recovery, Cedric confronted a new set of obstacles upon returning home from the hospital, where basic tasks became formidable challenges. Recognizing the need for enhanced accessibility, The Home Depot Foundation joined forces with the Gary Sinise Foundation in 2017 to present Cedric’s family with a mortgage-free, specially adapted smart home. Tailored to their needs, the home boasted features such as wheelchair-accessible countertops and convenient pulldowns in the closet, facilitating Cedric’s daily routines like cooking and showering.
Recipient of prestigious honors including the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, and Legion of Merit, Cedric King has embraced his new role as an advocate for resilience. Utilizing his platform, he inspires others to confront their personal adversities head-on, sharing his journey of perseverance with audiences at esteemed institutions like the U.S. Naval Academy and the United States Military Academy, as well as with professional sports teams across the NFL, NBA, and MLB.
For The Home Depot, supporting veterans holds profound significance, with over 35,000 of its associates being veterans or military spouses. Since 2011, The Home Depot Foundation has collaborated to construct over 90 smart homes for combat-wounded veterans and has invested upwards of $500 million in initiatives benefiting veterans. This steadfast commitment ensures that more of our nation’s heroes find refuge in safe, comfortable homes tailored to their unique needs.
