In May 2018, a home dedication took place for USMC Staff Sargent Brandon Dodson (Ret.) and his family in Vista, California. Thanks go to Arizona Tile and European Wholesale Countertops for donating the natural stone and fabrication services for this project. 

The specially adapted smart home is made possible through the Gary Sinise Foundation’s R.I.S.E. program (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment). Special thanks to The Marcus Foundation, DAV Charitable Service Trust, Veterans United Foundation, The Home Depot Foundation (Team Depot), Nucor Steel Auburn Ny, Semper Fi Fund and many other donors for their funding support for this deserving hero. A big thank you to our in-kind donors; Shubert Design, Nortek Security and Control, National Wood Flooring Association/Hardwood Floors Magazine, National Tile Contractors Association, #GE, Sunbelt Rentals, Benjamin Moore, National Association of Home Builders, North American Van Lines, MAPEI Americas, Landscape Development, Inc., Broan, American Airlines, Crossville, Inc., Natural Stone Institute, Dentons, JCPenney, MLA General Contractor, Inc., and the local Vista, California community, who came together to make this dream a reality. 

Groundbreaking for the Dodson home, in Vista California.

Above: Groundbreaking for the Dodson home, in Vista California.
Bob Shuford of the Miramar branch AZ Tile commented, “Nicole (Morrow) and I enjoy being involved with the RISE program. Besides helping to repay our veterans for their service to our country, we have met some incredible people that are involved with the program, including the sponsors, volunteers, and subcontractors. It is gratifying to be part of the program. Special consideration should be given to Mike and T.J. Amos, whom we have known for over 20 years. Their coordination and supervision on these homes is outstanding and deserves to be recognized.”

Bob Shuford of the Miramar branch AZ Tile commented, “Nicole (Morrow) and I enjoy being involved with the RISE program. Besides helping to repay our veterans for their service to our country, we have met some incredible people that are involved with the program, including the sponsors, volunteers, and subcontractors. It is gratifying to be part of the program.  Special consideration should be given to Mike and T.J. Amos, whom we have known for over 20 years. Their coordination and supervision on these homes is outstanding and deserves to be recognized.”
Nicole Morrow, manager of the Arizona Tile Miramar Showroom, has been the lead designer for all of the Gary Sinise Foundation houses. The Dodson family Smart Home is the fourth home she has designed. “She was instrumental in helping create the combinations of materials that Mrs. Dodson had in her head,” said Shulford. “She has been very involved with slab and tile selections, and has a great rapport with her clients.”

Nicole Morrow, manager of the Arizona Tile Miramar Showroom, has been the lead designer for all of the Gary Sinise Foundation houses. The Dodson family Smart Home is the fourth home she has designed. “She was instrumental in helping create the combinations of materials that Mrs. Dodson had in her head,” said Shulford. “She has been very involved with slab and tile selections, and has a great rapport with her clients.”
Arizona Tile donated Tourmaline quartzite for the kitchen island. It had a slight “orchid” cast to it which plays off the color in the cabinets and created a very stunning color combination. Perimeter slabs were Black Pearl Satin which created a nice “framework” for the island. The bathroom vanities features Carrara Silver Honed marble. Additionally, Luxe Black and White Hex mosaic were donated for the laundry room floor.

Arizona Tile donated Tourmaline quartzite for the kitchen island. It had a slight “orchid” cast to it which plays off the color in the cabinets and created a very stunning color combination. Perimeter slabs were Black Pearl Satin which created a nice “framework” for the island. The bathroom vanities features Carrara Silver Honed marble. Additionally, Luxe Black and White Hex mosaic were donated for the laundry room floor.
Arizona Tile donated Tourmaline quartzite for the kitchen island. It had a slight “orchid” cast to it which plays off the color in the cabinets and created a very stunning color combination. Perimeter slabs were Black Pearl Satin which created a nice “framework” for the island. The bathroom vanities features Carrara Silver Honed marble. Additionally, Luxe Black and White Hex mosaic were donated for the laundry room floor.

To learn more about R.I.S.E. and other #GarySiniseFoundation programs, visit: www.garysinisefoundation.org .

To get involved in future RISE projects, contact Pam Hammond, pam@naturalstoneinstitute.org.