The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) has provided flooring for its 86th 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 (Ret.) Mary Dague took place on March 5, 2026, in Four Oaks, NC. Flooring for the project was donated by NWFA member Peachey Hardwood.
Sergeant Dague was moved to serve after witnessing the events of 9/11. During a deployment in Iraq in 2007, she and her team were called to dispose of an IED placed between a school and an apartment building. After the device was dismantled and prepared for transport, she noticed it rocking back and forth and instinctively hugged it to her body to shield her team. The blast resulted in the loss of both her arms.
“In addition to losing both her arms in service to our country, Sergeant Dague also has battled breast cancer,” says Stephanie Owen, president and CEO of NWFA. “Despite these setbacks, she continues to inspire others with her positive attitude and fighting spirit. We’re honored to partner with Peachey Hardwood to provide beautiful real wood floors for her new home.”
In addition to the 86 homes already completed, NWFA currently is working with its members to source wood flooring for 13 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.