Social Responsibility News
N° 31 - 7/7/2020
An update on MAPEI's ongoing support of the Gary Sinise Foundation's R.I.S.E. program
From Realtà Mapei n° 39 - 12/13/2024
MAPEI is proud to donate materials to the Gary Sinise Foundation in their mission to build 100% mortgage-free homes for severely wounded veterans and first responders. This partnership focuses on constructing unique, specially adapted smart homes for our nation’s most severely wounded heroes, primarily supporting post-9/11 defenders injured in combat operations or during training. These homes — built around the specific needs of each hero — help ease the daily challenges faced by these heroes and their families.
Here are a few of the most recent homes built through this collaboration:
Jason Church, a third-generation soldier, completed military training at Fort Benning before being deployed to Afghanistan in 2012, where he was severely injured by an improvised explosive device (IED). Retired from the Army, Jason has earned a law degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, fishing, and spending time with his family.
MAPEI worked with the Gary Sinise Foundation, donating products to build the Church family home. Products donated include:
During five deployments to Afghanistan and Syria, Ryan Davis led missions and inspired younger soldiers. An explosion in Afghanistan on August 16, 2019, left him a triple amputee. After 28 life-saving surgeries, he’s now recovering and hopes to return to the 75th Ranger Regiment to motivate others. The new smart home will help him to live independently with his family during his recovery and beyond. He looks forward to returning to an active life including playing baseball with his son and to fishing, skiing and swimming.
MAPEI products donated to help build the Davis family home include:
Joshua Geddis, after fulfilling a lifelong dream of enlisting in the Navy and deploying globally, made his final deployment in East Africa. While upgrading the security of a forward operating base, he was crushed under the weight of a 4,500-pound barrier. Although this resulted in paraplegia, he remains optimistic and resilient. His new smart home will help him as he adapts to his new reality.
MAPEI products donated to help build the Geddis family home include:
John Kremer is a U.S. Navy EOD (Explosive Ordinance Disposal) specialist whose service earned him two Bronze Stars, a Combat Action Ribbon, and an Army Commendation Medal for his work with Mobile Unit 11 (MU11), an elite explosive ordinance disposal unit. He was severely injured by an IED in Afghanistan in 2010. The blast resulted in the amputation of both legs. The new home allows him to more fully and independently participate in the activities and routines of family life.
MAPEI products donated to help build the Kremer family home include:
Shane Parsons felt compelled to join the military, enlisting in the Army at the age of 16 after September 11, 2001. In Iraq, while off duty, he volunteered to replace a friend on a mission. As the lead driver, he triggered an IED, resulting in the loss of both legs above the knee. During his evacuation, he suffered three cardiac arrests, leading to a traumatic brain injury. His recovery has been long, involving multiple surgeries and therapy. The new home will allow him to safely participate in family life and provide a home base while he transitions to his new life.
MAPEI products donated to help build the Parsons family home include:
In partnership with the Gary Sinise Foundation, MAPEI proudly contributes essential materials to build specially adapted, mortgage-free homes for our nation’s most severely wounded veterans and first responders. At 70 homes and counting, as of this writing, this collaboration aims to create homes tailored to the unique needs of each hero, facilitating a more manageable daily life for them and their families.
Jason Church, Ryan Davis, Joshua Geddis, John Kremer and Shane Parsons each exemplify courage and resilience through their service and sacrifice. MAPEI’s donated products, ranging from advanced waterproofing systems to adhesives to heating solutions, play a crucial role in crafting these life-changing homes.
Through this partnership, MAPEI and the Gary Sinise Foundation are committed to honoring these heroes by providing them with safe, accessible and supportive living environments, ultimately enhancing their quality of life and allowing them to thrive in their new homes.
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