House Count on the R.I.S.E.: 17
OBERLIN, Ohio – The Natural Stone Institute pitched in for the 17th time to help build a home for severely wounded veterans and first responders under the R.I.S.E. (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment) program from the Gary Sinese Foundation.
Click photo to enlargeNatural stone, fabrication, and installation for U.S. Army Sgt. Legrand Strickland (Ret.) in Wildwood, Mo., were provided by Global Granite & Marble, Murphy Marble, Ford Marble, and Earthworks.
Born in Minnesota and raised in Missouri, Strickland joined the Army two years out of high school. After his first enlistment, he entered the National Guard as an Infantry Rifleman. He then graduated college while in the Guard with a degree in graphic design. Upon re-enlistment, Legrand reported to the 82nd Airborne Division.
Returning from a mission in Zabul, Afghanistan, on Feb. 2, 2010, Strickland witnessed an improvised explosive device (IED) strike his commander’s vehicle ahead of him. His commander survived the blast and joined Strickland in his vehicle. As they drove away, Strickland’s last memory is being struck by another large explosive.
Strickland survived, but his commander and the driver did not. In critical condition, Strickland was flown to the nearest hospital, then to Germany, then to Ft. Sam Houston Brooke Army Medical Center. He sustained many injuries, including bilateral above-knee amputations and traumatic brain injury (TBI).
(If closed captions appear, shut them off. It’s an atrocious transcription.)
“Being involved with the R.I.S.E. program enables our industry to take a leadership role in supporting these veterans and their families who have endured so much to protect our freedoms,” said Laura Grandlienard, chair of the institute’s R.I.S.E. committee. “We feel tremendous pride in sharing our talents for such an important cause. It’s a beautiful feeling to say ‘welcome home’ to these heroes.”
Since 2016, 44 institute members have donated their time, products, and services to this cause. A list of all donors can be found at www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/RISE.
Stone companies interested in getting involved with future projects are encouraged to contact Pam Hammond at pam@naturalstoneinstitute.org.
Get the news of the industry with Slab & Sheet, the e-newsletter from Stone Update. Sign up for free delivery here.
For the latest industry info, check Stone Update on Twitter and Facebook.
Experience the totally new Stone Update Magazine online.
