Natural Stone Institute: R.I.S.E. Home #29

OBERLIN, Ohio — A Washington-state veteran is the latest beneficiary of Natural Stone Institute members in building a home through the Gary Sinise Foundation’s R.I.S.E. program (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment).

The Roman family and their new home. (Photo courtesy Natural Stone Institute)Natural stone and fabrication services at the new home in Brush Praririe, Wash., of U.S. Army SSgt Rico Roman and his family were provided by Northern Stone Supply, Bedrosians, Columbia Stone and Natural Stone Designs. The R.I.S.E. program builds specially adapted smart homes for severely wounded veterans and first responders.

Roman joined the U.S. Army in 2001. He began as a gunner and, in 2006, became a squad leader. He carried the responsibility of leading two teams.

While on his fourth deployment, Roman was in a vehicle blasted on Feb. 22, 2007, by an improvised explosive device during a convoy mission in Iraq. He remembers thinking, “I’m not walking out of this.” He was flown to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., where he endured extensive surgeries on both legs and was confined to a hospital bed for three months.

While the doctors were able to save Roman’s legs, he remained in unbearable pain through therapy for the following year. He eventually made the decision to have his left leg amputated above the knee. He still suffers immense pain in his right leg but is hopeful that no further damage will occur.

The project also received a boost from Daltile, which donated tile and porcelain slab products for the home’s bathrooms, kitchen, fireplace, and laundry room. 

“Daltile is honored to help the Gary Sinise Foundation provide this deserving hero and his family with a beautiful, new, specially adapted home to ease their daily burdens and help them live their family life to the fullest,” said Paij Thorn-Brooks, vice president of marketing for Dal-Tile Corp.. 

Companies interested in getting involved with future projects are encouraged to contact Pam Hammond at pam@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 http://www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/RISE.