Natural Stone Institute: RISE Home #41
OBERLIN, Ohio —The Natural Stone Institute 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.
Institute members Triton Stone Group and Stone Interiors contributed to the special-needs-adapted resident for USAF Staff Sgt. Brian Schiefer (ret) in Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.
The R.I.S.E. program builds 100% mortgage-free specially adapted smart homes for severely wounded veterans and first responders.
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 Nov. 11, 2008, while on a pre-deployment training exercise to Fort Irwin, Calif., Schiefer 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. The crash caused Schiefer to spend five weeks in the ICU and he underwent a 16-hour surgery to stabilize his spine.
After five months of in-patient and an additional half-year of out-patient therapy, Schneider had to adjust to a new life as a paraplegic. He 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.
Schiefer 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.
