NWFA Completes 34th Home with Gary Sinise Foundation

The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) has provided flooringĀ for its 34th home inĀ  support of the Gary Sinise Foundation R.I.S.E. program (Restoring Independence Supporting
Empowerment). The R.I.S.E. program builds custom, specially adapted smart homes for severely wounded veterans and first responders. The home dedication for United States Army Sergeant Legrand Strickland (Ret.) took place onĀ November 9, in Wildwood, Missouri. Flooring for the project was donated by NWFA members Ambassador FloorĀ Company, and Naturally Aged Flooring.

Sergeant Strickland joined the Army two years out of high school. After his first enlistment, he entered the NationalĀ Guard as an Infantry Rifleman and attended college, receiving a degree in graphic design. Upon reenlistment, Sgt.Ā Strickland was part of the 82nd Airborne Division stationed in Afghanistan. While returning from a mission onĀ February 2, 2010, Sgt. Stricklandā€™s convoy was hit by an improvised explosive device (IED). He watched as hisĀ Commanderā€™s vehicle was struck in front of him. His commander survived and joined Sgt. Strickland in his vehicle,Ā which was then also hit. Both his Commander and driver were casualties of the second hit. Sgt. Strickland sufferedĀ the loss of both legs above the knee, as well as traumatic brain injury.

ā€œSgt. Strickland has faced tremendous obstacles during his ongoing recovery,ā€ says NWFA President and CEO,Ā Michael Martin, ā€œyet youā€™ll never see him without a smile. Despite the challenges his injuries present, he faces eachĀ day with an attitude of gratefulness that should be an example for us all. It was a real honor to attend his dedicationĀ ceremony, and since his home is right around the corner from NWFAā€™s office, we look forward to becoming a part ofĀ his familyā€™s local support system. Weā€™re honored to partner with Ambassador and Naturally Aged Flooring to provideĀ flooring for his new home.ā€

In addition to the 34 homes already completed, NWFA currently is working with its members to source wood flooringĀ for 16 additional R.I.S.E. homes in various stages of planning and construction. Currently, 57 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. participating companies can be found at
https://www.nwfa.org/giving-back.aspx.

By the end of this year, 70 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 them at anita.howard@nwfa.org.

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