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) which builds mortgage-free, custom, specially adapted smart homes for severely wounded veterans and first responders. The home dedication for U.S. Army Sergeant (Ret.) Mary Dague took place on March 5 in Four Oaks, N.C. Flooring was donated by NWFA member Peachey Hardwood.
During a deployment in Iraq in 2007, Sgt. Dague and her team were called to dispose of an IED placed between a school and 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, Sgt. Dague also has battled breast cancer,” noted Stephanie Owen, NWFA president and CEO. “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 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 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 http://www.nwfa.org/giving-back.aspx.
