NWFA Completes 29th Home with Gary Sinise Foundation


The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) has provided flooring for its 29th
home in partnership with the Gary Sinise Foundation R.I.S.E. program (Restoring Independence SupportingĀ Empowerment). The R.I.S.E. program builds custom, specially adapted smart homes for severely wounded veteransĀ and first responders. The home dedication for US Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Brandon Dodson took place on May 3, in Vista, California. Flooring for the project was donated by NWFA member WD Flooring.

SSgt. Dodson served through five combat deployments. On August 9, 2014, during his fifth deployment, he and hisĀ platoon were on a mission in a small village when he stepped on a hidden pressure-plated improvised explosiveĀ device (IED). SSgt. Dodson suffered severe injuries from the blast, which resulted in the loss of both legs.

ā€œIā€™m told that when Staff Sergeant Dodson opened his eyes after the blast, his first instinct was to take care of hisĀ men,ā€ says NWFA President and CEO, Michael Martin. ā€œHowever, it became clear very quickly that he was the one who needed immediate help. He was evacuated to Walter Reed where he endured numerous surgeries, and spentĀ many months recovering from his injuries. His resolve to overcome his new challenges have been anĀ  inspiration toĀ everyone he meets. Weā€™re honored to partner with WD Flooring to provide flooring for his new home.ā€

In addition to the 29 homes already completed, NWFA currently is working with its members to source wood flooringĀ for 21 additional R.I.S.E. homes in various stages of planning and construction. Currently, 54 NWFA memberĀ companies have donated product, logistics, and installation services in locations throughout the United States, with aĀ total value of more than $4.0 million. A list of all NWFA R.I.S.E. partners is listed at nwfa.org/giving-
back.aspx.

By the end of this year, 65 specially adapted smart homes will be completed or underway through the Gary SiniseĀ Foundation R.I.S.E. program. To learn more about the program, and how you and/or your company can get involved,Ā contact the NWFA at 800.422.4556, or e-mail anita.howard@nwfa.org.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.