The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) has provided flooring for its 85th 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. Army Sergeant First Class Joe Bowser took place on November 19, 2025, in Ashland City, Tennessee. Flooring for the project was donated by NWFA member Mullican Flooring.
After an honorable discharge during his first enrollment in the Army, Sergeant Bowser reenlisted in the Army Reserves following the events of September 11, 2001. While deployed in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, he was injured when a 122mm rocket exploded right behind him, followed by another immediately after. The blasts resulted in the loss of his right leg.
“Sergeant Bowser underwent 14 surgeries following his injury,” says Stephanie Owen, president and CEO of NWFA, “but continued to serve through 2021 as Staff Assistant to the Secretary of the Army, where he advised the Secretary on wounded veteran issues. His new home will be an enduring reminder of our gratitude for his service to our country. We’re honored to partner with Mullican Flooring to provide beautiful real wood floors for his new home.”
In addition to the 85 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, 163 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.