Giving Tuesday with the LP Foundation's National Nonprofit Partner—the Gary Sinise Foundation

LP and the LP Foundation are proud to support our national nonprofit partner, the Gary Sinise Foundation, and its mission to honor and support our nation’s defenders, veterans, first responders, and their families. Through the support of LP and many others, the Gary Sinise Foundation builds specially adapted, mortgage-free homes for America’s most severely wounded veterans and first responders.

For Giving Tuesday, we’re proud to feature U.S. Army Sergeant (Ret.) Josh Hargis and his heroic story.

When he was only a teenager, Josh knew he had a choice to make.

“I saw the direction my parents and older brother had taken with their lives, and I didn’t want that for myself,” he said. “I wanted to rise above my circumstances and be the best I could be, so I set my sights on the U.S. Army.”

He went on to complete Basic Combat Training, Airborne School, and Ranger Assessment and Selection in 2010. Two years later, Josh graduated from the Army’s premier leadership course, Ranger School, and trained to become a K9 Handler within the 75th Ranger Regiment.

During his time in service, Josh served four deployments to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. Tragedy struck during his last deployment while conducting operations in Kandahar. During a night raid, Josh and his unit were drawn into an area latent with improvised explosive devices where the enemy was wearing explosive vests hidden underneath their clothing. That evening, Josh’s unit suffered severe injuries and four members of his team made the ultimate sacrifice along with his K9 companion Jany. Josh suffered catastrophic injuries to his legs, causing them to be amputated—one above the knee and one below.

“With complete disregard for his own safety, even after his K9 partner Jany had been killed, Josh still took off into a live minefield to render aid to another Ranger—that’s the kind of person Josh is,” said U.S. Army Ranger Spencer Cox, who served with Josh the night of the raid. “He is the most selfless individual I have ever had the privilege of working with. His tireless work ethic, spirit, soul, and love for his family are truly remarkable. There is not another man like him that I would trust my life with.”

Josh's road ahead was difficult and painful. However, with his wife by his side every step of the way, he was determined. During his rehabilitation, Josh discovered a love for sled hockey. He went on to represent America as a member of the U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team, winning a gold medal at the 2019 Paralympic Games.

In partnership with the Gary Sinise Foundation, LP looks forward to welcoming Josh and his family to their mortgage-free, smart-technology home that will be built in Tennessee and feature LP? SmartSide? Trim & Siding. This forever home will be custom-built specifically for Josh's needs, allowing him to fully participate in the beautiful life he has created with his wife, Taylor, and their two boys.

You can help support Josh and other wounded veterans this Giving Tuesday by donating to the Gary Sinise Foundation here.

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