Army Veteran Mary Dague Receives Specially Adapted Smart Home

Through the Gary Sinise Foundation’s R.I.S.E. program, the Four Oaks home restores independence for the wounded veteran, with support from Home Genius Exteriors and its HGE Cares initiative

Retired U.S. Army Sgt. Mary Dague, who lost both arms while shielding fellow soldiers from an improvised explosive device in Iraq, was recently honored with a specially adapted, mortgage-free smart home in Four Oaks, North Carolina through the Gary Sinise Foundation R.I.S.E. (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment) program. The 2,900-square-foot smart home was presented during a community ceremony attended by family, local first responders and ROTC students, marking a powerful moment of gratitude for her service and sacrifice.

Mary Dague was severely injured on November 4, 2007, when an improvised explosive device detonated as she attempted to disarm it. In a split-second decision, she shielded fellow soldiers by hugging the device, saving lives but losing both arms in the explosion. The custom home was designed with accessibility features and smart-home technology to restore independence and ease daily challenges.

Home Genius Exteriors was proud to support the effort as part of its ongoing commitment to giving back through the Home Genius Cares program, which partners with national and local organizations to assist veterans and families in need. The company continues expanding its presence in the Carolinas, having opened a Greenville, South Carolina office in June 2025, further strengthening its ability to support communities across the region while investing in meaningful service initiatives.