NWFA Completes 81st Home for Wounded Veteran in Idaho

St. Louis, Mo.—The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) has completed its 81st home in collaboration with the Gary Sinise Foundation‘s R.I.S.E. program. This initiative, which stands for Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment, constructs mortgage-free, custom smart homes for severely wounded veterans and first responders.

The home dedication for retired U.S. Army Sergeant Matthew Krumwiede took place on June 12 in Bellevue, Idaho. Metropolitan Hardwood Floors, an NWFA member, donated the flooring for the project.

Sergeant Krumwiede enlisted in the Army after graduating high school and served in the infantry. While leading his squad on patrol in Afghanistan‘s Kandahar province, he stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED). Despite receiving immediate medical attention, he sustained injuries that resulted in the loss of both legs.

“Sergeant Krumwiede endured nearly 50 surgeries following his injury,” said Stephanie Owen, NWFA CEO. “He spent close to a year in the hospital—first in intensive care, then in the burn unit, and finally in rehabilitation. His new home will eliminate many daily challenges and serve as an enduring reminder of our gratitude for his service.”

In addition to the 81 completed homes, NWFA is currently working with its members to provide flooring for 18 more R.I.S.E. homes, which are at various stages of planning and construction. To date, 161 NWFA member companies have contributed products and services, valued at over $7 million.

A list of participating companies can be found on the NWFA website.