Natural Stone Institute Completes 41st Home with Gary Sinise Foundation
Contact:
Natural Stone Institute
(440) 250-9222
networking@naturalstoneinstitute.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oberlin, OH, March 1, 2022— The Natural Stone Institute has provided natural stone and fabrication services for its 41st home with the Gary Sinise Foundation through its R.I.S.E. (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment) program. The Foundation’s R.I.S.E. program builds 100% mortgage-free specially adapted smart homes for severely wounded veterans and first responders. Natural stone and fabrication for U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Brian Schiefer were provided by Triton Stone Group and Stone Interiors.
Brian Schiefer decided to join the Air Force as a high school junior and began training about one month after graduation. During his career, he formed a brotherhood with his team and became a mentor to many fellow service members. On November 11, 2008, while on a pre-deployment training exercise to Fort Irwin, CA, Brian took some younger members out into the field to conduct Live Close Air Support. Upon their return, his vehicle slid out and rolled over, throwing Brian from the truck.
This crash caused Brian to spend 5 weeks in the ICU and he underwent a 16-hour surgery to stabilize his spine. After 5 months of inpatient and 6 months of outpatient therapy, he had to adjust to his new life as a paraplegic. Brian considers the nurses who took care of him at the various hospitals his true heroes. His parents’ love and devotion and his own determination kept him moving forward.
Brian sits on several medical research and technology panels to give a voice to patients with injuries similar to his own. He is fighting for all spinal cord injured patients to receive the top-quality care and transitional support they need. He hopes to continue spreading awareness, paving the way for others with similar injuries, and continuing to live his life to the fullest.
Companies interested in getting involved with future projects are encouraged to email rise@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.
About NSF International
NSF International is an independent, global organization that facilitates the development of standards, and tests and certifies products for the food, water, health sciences and consumer goods industries to minimize adverse health effects and protect the environment. Founded in 1944, NSF International is committed to protecting human health and safety worldwide. With operations in 180 countries, NSF International is a Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre on Food Safety, Water Quality, and Indoor Environment.
NSF’s National Center for Sustainability Standards facilitates the development of standards, product category rules (PCRs) and protocols in a consensus-based stakeholder process. Input from manufacturers, suppliers, regulatory agencies, environmental organizations, procurement professionals, product specifiers, customers and academia achieves acceptance and support for these market-changing standards.
