Natural Stone Institute: R.I.S.E. House #45

OBERLIN, Ohio — The Natural Stone Institute recently helped complete U.S. Army Cpt. Derick Carver’s new home in New Braunfels, Texas, as part of the Gary Sinise Foundation’s R.I.S.E. (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment) program.

Institute members Arizona Tile, Alpha Granite, and Salado provided natural stone and fabrication for the home.

In addition, tile manufacturer Daltile participated in the Carver home, donating materials.

The R.I.S.E. program builds 100% mortgage-free specially adapted smart homes for severely wounded veterans and first responders. The institute has participated in the construction of 45 R.I.S.E. homes.

On the morning of January 19, 2010, Carver and his unit met with local teachers and elders in the Arghandab River Valley outside of Kandahar, Afghanistan. to discuss reopening a school that the Taliban had rigged to blow with improvised explosive devices (IEDs).  Carver and his platoon moved forward to establish themselves in the school for clearance operations to prevent further targeting; however, on their way to the school, the Taliban launched a complex ambush using a daisy-chain of 107mm rockets and home-made explosives.

Carver suffered multiple injuries including the loss of most of his right thigh, multiple fingers becoming fused or partially amputated, and the amputation of his left leg. The attack also resulted in PTSD and reoccurring complications.

After multiple initial lifesaving surgeries, Carver was finally transported to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., where he spent the rest of his 13-month recovery. During this time, Carver underwent almost 50 surgeries, over 50 blood transfusions, and five plasma transfusions, later opting for active recovery. Following inpatient recovery, he returned to duty and assumed the role of AS-3 for the 4th Ranger Training Battalion, becoming the “one-legged Ranger Instructor” before retiring in 2012.

Since his injury, Derick has stayed active competing in CrossFit competitions and winning the U.S. and World’s Strongest Disabled Man in 2017. Derick has competed in the Arnold Classic, where founder Arnold Schwarzenegger named him the “most-inspiring veteran” he has met. Carver plans to continue his education by looking into a graduate program this winter.

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.