The Natural Stone Institute has provided natural stone and fabrication services for its eighteenth home with the Gary Sinise Foundation’s R.I.S.E. program (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment). The R.I.S.E. program builds specially adapted smart homes for severely wounded veterans and first responders. Natural stone, fabrication, and installation for US Army SSG Bobby Dove in Florida were provided by Granite Group and Florida Bath & Surfaces.
Growing up in Gloucester, VA, Bobby Dove loved spending time with his grandfather,r, a Korean War veteran. In August 2008, Bobby joined the Army Special Forces and earned his Green Beret in August 2011 after three years of continuous training. On June 9, 2012, Bobby ran over an improived explosive device (IED). After being stabilized by his teammates and MEDEVAC’d to Kandahar, Bobby arrived at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on June 15. There he underwent extensive surgeries, spending a week in the ICU and three months in inpatient care. Bobby lost his right hand and suffered amputation to his right leg above the knee. He endured many other severe injuries from the blast.
Laura Grandlienard (ROCKin’teriors), chair of the Natural Stone Institute R.I.S.E. committee said: “Being involved with the R.I.S.E. program enables our industry to take a leadership role in supporting these veterans and their families who have endured so much to protect our freedoms. We feel tremendous pride in sharing our talents for such an important cause. It’s a beautiful feeling to say ‘welcome home’ to these heroes.”
46 Natural Stone Institute members have donated their time, products, and services to this cause since 2016. 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 [email protected].
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About the Natural Stone Institute
The Natural Stone Institute is a trade association representing every aspect of the natural stone industry. The current membership exceeds 2,000 members in over 50 nations. The association offers a wide array of technical and training resources, professional development opportunities, regulatory advocacy, and networking events. Two prominent publications—the Dimension Stone Design Manual and Building Stone Magazine—raise awareness within the natural stone industry and in the design community for best practices and uses of natural stone. Learn more at www.naturalstoneinstitute.org.
