Natural Stone Institute Completes 28th Home with Gary Sinise Foundation

Contact:
Natural Stone Institute
(440) 250-9222
networking@naturalstoneinstitute.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oberlin, OH, July 8, 2020—The Natural Stone Institute has provided natural stone and fabrication services for another home through the Gary Sinise Foundation’s R.I.S.E. program (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment). The R.I.S.E. program builds specially adapted smart homes for severely wounded veterans and first responders. To date, Natural Stone Institute members have been involved in twenty-eight completed homes.

Natural stone and fabrication services for US Army SSG Casey Jones and his family were provided by Triton Stone Group and StoneWorld.

Casey joined the US Army in 2008 and became a Senior Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) team member. On May 16, 2013 while deployed in Senjaray, Afghanistan, Casey was tasked with clearing a compound that would serve as the location for a command post. As he was assisting his team leader, Casey stepped on a pressure-plate improvised explosive device (IED) which detonated beneath him, causing him to lose both of his legs.

Casey was initially sent to NATO Role 3 Multinational Medical Unit and would eventually end up at Walter Reed National Military Center. At Walter Reed, case was motivated by the progress other amputees were making and felt that anything was possible. He spent two years learning how to walk again, and although the process was grueling, his wife Shannon was there to support him every step of the way.

Companies interested in getting involved with future projects are encouraged to contact Pam Hammond at pam@naturalstoneinstitute.org. To learn more, and to see a list of all Natural Stone Institute members who have donated their time, products, and services to this cause, visit www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/RISE.

 

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About the Natural Stone Institute

The Natural Stone Institute is a trade association representing every aspect of the natural stone industry. The current membership exceeds 2,000 members in over 50 nations. The association offers a wide array of technical and training resources, professional development opportunities, regulatory advocacy, and networking events. Two prominent publications—the Dimension Stone Design Manual and Building Stone Magazine—raise awareness within the natural stone industry and in the design community for best practices and uses of natural stone. Learn more at www.naturalstoneinstitute.org.