Oberlin, OH —The Natural Stone Institute has provided natural stone and fabrication services for its 36^th home with the Gary Sinise Foundation through its R.I.S.E. (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment) program. The Foundation’s R.I.S.E. program builds 100% mortgage-free specially adapted smart homes for severely wounded veterans and first responders. Natural stone and fabrication for U.S. Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Kenton Stacy and his family in Poway, California were provided by Arizona Tile and Tony Sciarrino Stone.

Kenton and his wife Lindsey were high school sweethearts, and soon after they married, Kenton joined the U.S. Navy. Although he initially planned on serving four years before enrolling in college, Kenton loved both the military community and his job as an Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) technician, so he chose to continue his life in the military. On November 19, 2017, while serving in Syria, Kenton was severely injured by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). As a result of the blast, Kenton became a quadriplegic and was blinded in his left eye. He also experiences issues with speech. Kenton has undergone extensive rehabilitation in several facilities including the TIRR (The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research) Memorial Hermann in Houston, Texas. Kenton has received numerous awards for his service including a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star Medal, and three Navy Achievement Medals. He is proud to have been named the 2010 USO Sailor of the Year.