Institute Completes 42nd R.I.S.E. Project

OBERLIN, Ohio – The Natural Stone Institute recently provided surfaces and services for the group’s 42nd home with the Gary Sinise Foundation through its R.I.S.E. (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment) program.

Natural stone and fabrication for an Adams, Tenn., home for U.S. Army Sergeant Christopher Kurtz were provided by Triton Stone Group, Exodus Stone Surfaces and Northern Stone Supply. 

Kurtz enlisted in the U.S. Army in February 2009 and deployed with the 101st Airborne Division to the Arghandab River Valley region of Afghanistan in June 2010. In December 2010, a remote improvised explosive device (IED) detonated nearby where Kurtz was walking on foot patrol. The blast tore through his legs; he lost two fingers on his left hand and broke his pelvis in three different places.

Once stabilized in the field, Kurtz was evacuated to Kandahar Air Field, then to Landstuhl, Germany. After arriving at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., additional surgeries included the amputation of both legs above the knee. After four years of active-duty service, Kurtz medically retired from the Army in 2013 with the rank of Sergeant.

The Foundation’s R.I.S.E. program builds 100% mortgage-free specially adapted smart homes for severely wounded veterans and first responders.

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.