Natural Stone Institute: 47th R.I.S.E Home

ST. MARY’S, Ga. —The Natural Stone Institute provided natural stone and fabrication services here for its 47th home with the Gary Sinise Foundation through its R.I.S.E. (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment) program.

Natural stone and fabrication for the new specially adapted smart home for U.S. Marine Corps Corporal and Police Officer (Ret.) Sharif Muzayen were provided by UMI and Florida Custom Marble.

The foundation’s R.I.S.E. program builds 100% mortgage- homes for severely wounded veterans and first responders. NSI members have assisted in building more than half of the 81 R.I.S.E. homes to date.

Muzayen enlisted in the Marines in 2008 and served for five years. He was deployed to Afghanistan, where he held multiple positions including becoming a Non-Commission Officer in Charge in the Cross Unit Combat Operations Center as the liaison between American Armed Forces and the Afghan Units. In 2013, Muzayen was honorably discharged as a Corporal.

After leaving the service, Muzayen immediately began pre-academy training at the Orange Police Department in Orange, Calif. Upon completion of field training, he requested to specialize in identifying and arresting suspected DUI drivers. Before his injuries, Muzayen was successful in arresting 75 individuals for driving under the influence.

On Dec. 10, 2016, while responding to a report of a possible drunk driver, Muzayen was struck by another oncoming drunk driver. The collision left him with a broken tibia, fibula, a severed femoral artery, and a brain hemorrhage.

After many weeks in recovery and the support of his family, Muzayen began a two-year journey of rehabilitation with physical therapy and multiple surgeries. In December 2019, he underwent surgery to have his left leg amputated above the knee.

Muzayen hopes to complete his degree in biology and ultimately get a doctorate in herpetology, the study of reptiles and amphibians. In his downtime, he enjoys playing board games, watching movies, and playing video games with his family.

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.