Gary Sinise FoundationGary Sinise Foundation

Severely Wounded Hero

Legrand Strickland

U.S. Army Sgt. (Ret.)

Legrand’s last memory of Afghanistan is being struck by a large explosive. Legrand survived, his Commander and the driver did not. He sustained many injuries, including bilateral above-knee amputations and traumatic brain injury.

Legrand Strickland Before Explosion

Legrand's Incredible Story of Bravery & Patriotism

Born in Minnesota and raised in Missouri, retired U.S. Army Sergeant Legrand Strickland joined the Army two years out of high school. After his first enlistment, he entered the National Guard as an Infantry Rifleman. He then graduated college while in the Guard with a degree in graphic design. Upon re-enlistment, Legrand was a part of the 82nd Airborne Division.

Returning from a mission in Zabul, Afghanistan on February 2, 2010, Legrand witnessed an improvised explosive device (IED) strike his Commander’s vehicle ahead of him. His Commander survived the blast and joined Legrand in his vehicle. As they drove away, Legrand’s last memory is being struck by another large explosive. Legrand survived, but his Commander and the driver did not. In critical condition, Legrand was flown to the nearest hospital, then to Germany, then to Ft. Sam Houston Brooke Army Medical Center. He sustained many injuries, including bilateral above-knee amputations and traumatic brain injury (TBI).

The Gary Sinise Foundation was honored to provide a specially adapted smart home to Legrand and his family. Legrand has continued to focus on his rehabilitation and utilizing the custom aspects of the home to regain his independence.

Our Privilege

We Proudly Built A Custom Home for Legrand

The Gary Sinise Foundation was proud to build a custom home for Legrand specially adapted to his unique needs.

We've built homes all across the nation for America's most severely wounded heroes. Every home is fully custom and 100% mortgage-free. Learn more about our custom homebuilding programs or support our efforts today.

Newsletter

Legrand's story is one of thousands. Read them all.

Get notes from Gary, amazing stories of patriotism, heartwarming updates and more.