Stone on the R.I.S.E Again
OBERLIN, Ohio — The Natural Stone Institute provided natural stone and fabrication services for another home through the Gary Sinise Foundation’s R.I.S.E. program (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment).
Josue Barron and familyNatural stone and fabrication services for a new R.I.S.E. home in Temecula, Calif., for USMC Corporal Josue Barron and his family were provided by Quality Marble & Granite and Inland Counter Tops.
The R.I.S.E. program builds specially adapted smart homes for severely wounded veterans and first responders. Institute members have been involved in more than 30 projects since 2017.
Barron joined the Marine Corps in 2007, at age 17, and was a fire-team leader with 3rd Battalion 5th Marines out of Camp Pendleton. His first deployment was the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit in 2009, which took him to Japan, Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, and Australia.
His second deployment was in Afghanistan. On Oct. 21, 2010, Barron was on a morning foot patrol. On the way back to the base, his engineer stepped on an improvised explosive dervice, hitting him and Barron. Both left with amputations.
Barron received the Purple Heart and Combat Action Ribbon and was taken to the Naval Hospital in San Diego. Throughout recovery, Josue’s wife and mother kept him going by believing in him and challenging him to be stronger.
He was also humbled and motivated by the stories of other Marines, saying “My heroes are other disabled veterans who have tougher challenges than me but still have a smile on their faces, making it look easy.”
Barron’s new smart home will give him his independence back and eliminate the daily challenges caused by his disability. He will be able to play with his kids and be able to chase them in and out of the house in his wheelchair.
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 www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/RISE.
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