National Stone Institute: R.I.S.E. Home #26
OBERLIN, Ohio — The Natural Stone Institute recently finished its 26th participation with the Gary Sinise Foundation’s R.I.S.E. program (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment to build specially adapted smart homes for severely wounded veterans and first responders.
Natural stone and fabrication services for the special home built for U.S. Army Maj. Jeremy Haynes (Ret.) and his family in Clifton, Va., were provided by MARVA, Virginia Marble & Granite, Washington Marble & Granite and BMJ Stone.
Growing up in Albany, Ga., Haynes watched the horrific events of Sept. 11, 2001, unfold from his Marine Corps JROTC class. That day, he vowed to serve his country; he went on to earn a scholarship to Georgia Military College and commissioned as a Second Lieutenant.
Haynes deployed to Afghanistan, leaving at home his two children and then-pregnant wife, Chelsea. On a mission in Kabul on Aug. 5, 2014, an Afghan military soldier shot Jeremy four times, including once in his back. The shot to his spine severed Haynes’ vena cava and 80% of the nerves to his lower extremities, paralyzing both legs.
Haynes faced a long and painful recovery but wrote “I WILL WALK AGAIN” on a sheet of paper. He stared at that paper for hours and every day after. Now, through his spouse’s inspiration to heal, Haynes can stand and walk for short periods with adaptive equipment. This specially adapted smart home will allow Jeremy to continue to progress in reclaiming his independence.
Since 2016, 59 Natural Stone 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.
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