Oberlin, Ohio—The Natural Stone Institute (NSI) provided natural stone and fabrication services for its 35th home with the Gary Sinise Foundation through its R.I.S.E program (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment). The R.I.S.E. program by the Gary Sinise Foundation builds 100% mortgage-free, specially adapted smart homes for severely wounded veterans and first responders.
Natural stone and fabrication for U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Jay Fondren and his family in Texas were provided by Walker Zanger, Dee Brown and Real Stone Veneers of Tennessee, according to the Natural Stone Institute.
Jay enlisted in the Army in January of 2000 and was initially shipped to Fort Sill, Oklahoma. On November 24, 2004, Jay was severely injured by a roadside bomb while serving in Iraq. Jay currently works with Camp Hope in Houston, a faith-based residential treatment center for veterans. Jay, his wife, Anne, and six children currently live in the Houston area. The new, specially adapted smart home will help with daily life and provide the family with the chance to embark on a new chapter in life, the company said.