Page 17 - Demo

SlIppery rock GazeTTe
decemBer 2022|17
Natural Stone Institute Completes 45th Home with Gary Sinise Foundation
Natural stone and fabrication for U.S. Army Captain (retired) Derick Carver provided by Arizona Tile, Alpha Granite, and Salado.
The Natural Stone Institute has pro- vided natural stone and fabrication services for its 45th 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% mort- gage-free specially adapted smart homes for severely wounded veterans and first responders. Natural stone and fabrication for U.S. Army Captain Derick Carver were provided by Arizona Tile, Alpha Granite, and Salado.
On the morning of January 19, 2010, while serving in the Arghandab River Valley outside of Kandahar, Afghanistan, retired U.S. Army Captain Derick Carver and his unit met with local teachers and elders to discuss reopening a school that the Taliban had rigged to blow with IEDs. Along with the Afghan Army, Capt. Carver and his platoon moved forward to estab- lish 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. Derick suffered multi- ple injuries including the loss of most of his right thigh, multiple fingers becom- ing 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, Derick was finally transported to Walter Reed Medical Center, where he spent the rest of his 13-month recovery. During this time, Derick underwent almost 50 surger- ies, over 50 blood transfusions, and five plasma transfusions, later opting for active recovery. Following inpatient recovery, Derick 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 in 2010, Derick has stayed active competing in CrossFit com- petitions and winning the U.S. and World’s Strongest Disabled Man in 2017. Derick has competed in the Arnold Sports Classic, where Arnold named him the “most inspir- ing Veteran” he has met. He plans to con- tinue his education by looking into a graduate program in the winter. As Derick continues to pursue his dreams, the Gary Sinise Foundation was honored to build Derick a specially adapted smart home to ease his daily struggles and mobility needs around the house.
Companies interested in getting involved with future projects are encouraged to emailrise@naturalstoneinstitute.org.
Stone Restoration and Maintenance Corner
Year-End Review
ASwe wind down the year 2022, I would like to reflect on a few top- ics. This year we’ve covered issues from Product Use to Restoration Training, and plenty in between. I will discuss a few im-
portant and updated topics in this article.
Regarding product use, at M3 Technologies we do have some recent product additions that warrant discussion. The Quartz Renew system we recently brought in is quite popular with restoration professionals. It is a multi-step system so I would advise following instructions from
Bob Murrell
M3 Technologies
Photos by Bob Murrell
the manufacturer. Until now, the options were to use products that were designed for granite, and they will work in some situations, but the Quartz Renew prod- ucts are specifically designed for quartz (engineered) materials. Dr Fred told me that Quartz Renew should definitely be included in the restoration profession- al’s toolbox. I agree, having the right tool/ product for a specific project is definitely a plus.
Please turn to page 18
Before cleaning and restoration: exterior travertine porch/balcony with years of organic growth and dirt.