The Natural Stone Institute has provided natural stone and fabrication services for its 37th 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 percent mortgage-free specially adapted smart homes for severely wounded veterans and first responders. Natural stone and fabrication for U.S. Army Captain Juan Guerrero and his family in Texas were provided by Triton Stone Group, Coldspring, True Blue Surfaces, and Quality Stone Company. 

Juan Guerrero and family in their new Smart Home. Guerrero was critically injured while a U.S. Army Captain, and originally deployed in 1990 during the Gulf War. He served in over 350 combat missions during his military career, which was ended by an explosive EED in Iraq.

Juan Guerrero and family in their new Smart Home. Guerrero was critically injured while a U.S. Army Captain, and originally deployed in 1990 during the Gulf War. He served in over 350 combat missions during his military career, which was ended by an explosive EED in Iraq.

Juan immigrated to the United States with his family from Lima, Peru in 1986. He joined the Armed Forces shortly after graduating from high school. During the Gulf War in 1990, Guerrero deployed to Saudi Arabia with B Company 1/3, 3rd Marine Regiment, known as the “Lava Dogs,” based at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay in Hawaii. Years later on July 26, 2007, Guerrero, who at the time had 350 missions under his belt, was driving back from a mission with his convoy when an explosively formed penetrator (EFP), the single-most lethal weapon American forces faced in Iraq, struck his vehicle. The EFP detonated approximately 25 feet ahead of his vehicle, whose fragments penetrated the bottom of his door, striking his right calf. He broke his tibia and fractured his left ankle and the skin and muscle surrounding it. His lower legs were severely injured.

In June 2014 Juan developed a rare form of skin cancer on his left heel, which resulted in his left leg being amputated below the knee two years later. He is now a double amputee below the knees and is cancer-free. 


Companies interested in getting involved with future projects are encouraged to email Rise@naturalstoneinstitute.org.


To learn more, and to see a list of all Natural Stone Institute members who have donated their time, products, and services to this cause, visit www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/RISE.