The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) has provided flooring for its 81st 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 retired U.S. Army Sgt. Matthew Krumwiede took place on June 12, in Bellevue, Id. Flooring for the project was donated by NWFA member Metropolitan Hardwood Floors.
Sgt. Krumwiede enlisted in the Army immediately following his high school graduation. Following basic training, he served in the infantry. He was leading his squad on patrol in Kandahar province, one of the most dangerous regions in Afghanistan, when they came under fire. While trying to return fire and lead his team to safety, Krumwiede stepped on an IED. Despite the platoon’s medic applying tourniquets and rendering aid, Krumwiede flatlined while being medevac’d. Ultimately, his wounds resulted in the loss of both legs.
“Sgt. Krumwiede endured nearly 50 surgeries following his injury,” says Stephanie Owen, NWFA CEO. “He spent close to a year in the hospital, first in intensive care, then the burn unit and eventually the rehab facility. His new home will eliminate many of the daily challenges he faces and will be an enduring reminder of our gratitude for his service to our country. We’re honored to partner with Metropolitan Hardwood Floors to provide beautiful wood floors for his new home.”
In addition to the 81 homes already completed, NWFA currently is working with its members to source wood flooring for 18 additional R.I.S.E. homes in various stages of planning and construction. Currently, 161 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 http://www.nwfa.org/giving-back.aspx.
