The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) has provided flooring for its 55th home in 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 Stated Army Staff Sergeant Jay Fondren took place on April 29, in Houston, Texas. Flooring for the project was donated by NWFA member American OEM.
Staff Sergeant Fondren joined the Army in January 2002. He was injured by a roadside bomb in 2004 while deployed to Iraq. The explosion resulted in the loss of both legs above the knee.
“When Staff Sergeant Fondren was first injured, his initial concerns were for his fellow service members,” says NWFA President and CEO, Michael Martin, “But it was soon evident that his own injuries were the most severe. After the attack, he was in a coma, and flown to Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Today, he works with Camp Hope in Houston, a faith-based residential treatment center for veterans, which demonstrates his continued focus on service to others. We’re honored to partner with American OEM to provide flooring for his new home.”
In addition to the 55 homes already completed, NWFA is working with its members to source wood flooring for 14 additional R.I.S.E. homes in various stages of planning and construction. Currently, 141 NWFA member companies have donated product, logistics, and installation services in locations throughout the United States, with a total value of more than $5.2 million. A list of all NWFA R.I.S.E. participating companies can be found at http://www.nwfa.org/giving-back.aspx.
To learn more about the program, and how you and/or your company can get involved, contact the NWFA at 800.422.4556, or e-mail anita.howard@nwfa.org.