The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) has provided flooring for its 83rd home in support of the Gary Sinise Foundation R.I.S.E. program (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment). The R.I.S.E. program builds mortgage-free, custom, specially adapted smart homes for severely wounded veterans and first responders. The home dedication for retired U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Brad Ivanchan took place on October 23, 2025, in Scottsdale, Arizona. Flooring for the project was donated by NWFA member Lambright Flooring. Installation services were donated by NWFA member Blackhawk Floors.
Corporal Ivanchan joined the Marines on his 19th birthday. He was deployed to Iraq in 2009, serving as a turret gunner and providing escort security for an explosive ordinance disposal team. He went on to become a machine gun team leader and then a squad leader with 12 Marines under his command, carrying out combat foot patrols in Helmand Province. In 2012, his team was conducting a night patrol when several IEDs were detonated. The explosions resulted in the partial loss of both legs and severe injuries to his left arm and hand.
“Corporal Ivanchan endured six surgeries just to rebuild his hand,” says Stephanie Owen, president and CEO of NWFA, “not to mention the surgeries involved for his legs. I’m told he started walking just three months after his injuries, which shows he faces life with grit and determination. His new home will be an enduring reminder of our gratitude for his service to our country. We’re honored to partner with Lambright Flooring and Blackhawk Floors to provide beautiful real wood floors for his new home.”
In addition to the 83 homes already completed, NWFA currently 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, 162 NWFA member companies have donated product, logistics, and installation services in locations throughout the United States, with a total value of more than $7 million. A list of all NWFA R.I.S.E. participating companies can be found at 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 them at anita.howard@nwfa.org.