Oberlin, Ohio—The Natural Stone Institute has provided natural stone and fabrication services for its 27th home through 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 and fabrication services for U.S. Air Force Tsgt Matthew Slaydon and his family were provided by Rocky Mountain Stone and Arizona Tile.
Slaydon joined the Air Force in 1989. During his third deployment as an EOD technician, Matthew was sent to Baghdad as a counter-improvised explosive device (IED) team leader. On October 24, 2007, Matthew and his team were called to investigate possible IEDs. An IED filled with 15 pounds of homemade explosives, rebar, nails and wood screws exploded two feet in front of him. Matthew was flown to three different medical centers before arriving back in the U.S. to receive over 16 months of treatment at Brooke Army Medical Center and the Center for the Intrepid in San Antonio, Texas. Matthew lost his left dominant arm and suffers bilateral blindness without light perception in his left eye, among other severe injuries.
Throughout his recovery, Slaydon said he has been inspired to keep going because of his sense of duty, his family and his military brothers and sisters. His wife, Annette, has been by his side through the entire process. This new home provides a space that is conducive to Slaydon’s day-to-day activities.
Companies interested in getting involved with future projects are encouraged to contact Pam Hammond at pam@naturalstoneinstitute.org.