Natural Stone Institute Completes 40th R.I.S.E Home

OBERLIN, Ohio — Natural Stone Institute members provided natural stone and fabrication services for its 40th home as part of the Gary Sinise Foundation’s R.I.S.E. (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment) program.

Natural stone and fabrication for U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Jason Tabansky (Ret.) and his family in Boerne, Texas, were provided by Triton Stone Group, TexaStone Quarries, and Unique Countertops.

R.I.S.E. builds 100% mortgage-free specially adapted smart homes for severely wounded veterans and first responders. The Tabanskys received the home during a special ceremony last month on Veterans Day.

After reading “Chicken Hawks” about helicopter crews during Vietnam, Tabansky enlisted in the U.S. Army in December 2000 as a 67U, CH-47 Chinook helicopter repairer. During his Basic Training, the nation was attacked on September 11, 2001; and he vowed that he would see his friends from Basic in Kandahar, Afghanistan. He volunteered to deploy in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from 2002-2003, and deployed a second time to Taji, Iraq, for a 12-month stay in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he ensured the quality and timely maintenance on 12 CH-47D helicopters.

On Sept. 19, 2015, following a routine demonstration of a new Chinook helicopter in the United Kingdom, retired Tabansky was climbing down from the aircraft when he slipped and fell, injuring his right shoulder.

After multiple visits to the emergency room at St. Thomas’ Hospital in central London, Tabansky was sent away with medication to dull the pain. Days later, he awoke in the middle of the night because his body was slowly going numb. Within hours, he was paralyzed from the chest down, including both his hands.

While recovering at Walter Reed Hospital National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., Tabansky had seen soldiers with unimaginable injuries taking on the world, exhibiting positive attitudes without letting their current conditions hinder them. With that outlook, he was ready to take on a second chance at life and teach those around him to be the best advocate for themselves.

Since his injury, Tabansky has become an avid hunter, fisherman and competitive archer, and also the bass player for his church. Through physical therapy, he has regained control of his hands, and is currently a paraplegic with zero control of his trunk. Tabansky has remained positive throughout this process. Now, Tabansky spends time coaching and working with children in hopes of getting a degree in education.

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.

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