U.S. Army Captain (Ret.) Leslie Smith and U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Eddie Wright at their homes. (LP Building Solutions)
A leading manufacturer of high-performance building products, is expanding its support of veterans through partnerships, team member volunteer opportunities, and workplace initiatives designed to support those who have served.
The backstory:
LP Building Solutions (LP), headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., supports veterans through its partnership with the Gary Sinise Foundation, Heroes MAKE America, and Wreaths Across America.
What they're saying:
"Supporting the military community is one way we put our purpose into action," said LP CEO Jason Ringblom in a release. "Whether we’re helping build homes for wounded veterans, connecting transitioning service members with career opportunities, or honoring those who have served, we want our support to make a meaningful difference. This commitment extends throughout the year, not just on Veterans Day."
LP's partnership with the Gary Sinise Foundation
LP began its partnership with the Gary Sinise Foundation in 2022 through the LP Foundation. Through the partnership, LP provides an annual monetary contribution and supplies trim and siding needed for the specially adapted, mortgage-free homes built for severely wounded veterans.
In 2026, LP supported 10 home projects, bringing its total support to more than 25 projects since the partnership began.
U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Eddie Wright and U.S. Army Captain (Ret.) Leslie Smith were two of the recipients to receive homes.
Wright's home includes countless customizations in every room to ease Eddie's individual challenges, including accessible cabinetry and counters in the kitchen, door handles raised to shoulder-height, and smart technology automations activated throug
In 2204, Wright was riding in the lead vehicle of his convoy on patrol through South Fallujah when insurgents ambushed his unit. During the firefight, a rocket-propelled grenade struck Eddie's rifle and exploded on impact, instantly severing his right arm below the wrist and his left arm below the elbow. The blast shattered his femur with the bone protruding from his thigh. Seven of his fellow Marines were injured, and his platoon commander was killed.
The Gary Sinise Foundation built Leslie a custom home designed for her individual needs that will improve her independence and self-reliance. (LP Building Solutions)
After 9/11, Smith volunteered to deploy as part of Operation Joint Forge. While on duty, she experienced excruciating pain in her left leg and the medical team sent her back to the U.S. for treatment. While at Walter Reed Medical Center, the medical team discovered a growing blood clot in her leg had broken off into thousands more, spreading throughout her body to vital organs. Her left lef had to be amputated to save her life.
LP taking part in 2026 Wreaths Across America
LP team members participating in last year’s Wreaths Across America event. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, Dec. 19. (LP Building Solutions)
Each December, more than two million volunteers join Wreaths Across America to place fresh balsam wreaths on veterans’ graves at thousands of participating locations in all 50 states and beyond to remember the fallen, honor those who served, and teach the next generation the value of freedom.
For the second consecutive year, LP is supporting Wreaths Across America and, for the first time this year, became an official national sponsor, expanding its support of the organization’s mission.
This year’s National Wreaths Across America Day will be held on Saturday, Dec. 19, and LP facilities nationwide will take part in placing wreaths on the graves of veterans at cemeteries near its mills.
LP sponsors the Manufacturing Institute for Heroes MAKE America initiative
The Manufacturing Institute’s Heroes MAKE America initiative provides service members, veterans, National Guard members, reservists and military spouses with training and certification for careers in manufacturing. (Manufacturing Institute)
Through its partnership with the Manufacturing Institute’s Heroes MAKE America initiative, LP supports efforts to help veterans translate their military experience into civilian careers.
LP participates in Heroes Connect events to introduce service members to career opportunities in manufacturing.
LP signs Military Friendly Employer Pledge
This year, LP signed the Military Friendly Employer Pledge, further affirming its commitment to supporting veterans and service members as they transition to civilian careers and continue their military service.
The backstory:
LP, founded in 1972 and headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., operates more than 20 manufacturing facilities across the U.S., Canada, Chile, and Brazil.
The Source: Information in this article was provided by LP Building Solutions, the Gary Sinise Foundation, Heroes MAKE America, and Wreaths Across America. This story was reported from Orlando.