ST. LOUIS, Missouri (November 21, 2019) – The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) has provided flooring for its 41st home in support of the Gary Sinise Foundation R.I.S.E. program (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment). The R.I.S.E. program builds custom, specially adapted smart homes for severely wounded veterans and first responders. The home dedication for United States Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Jesse Cottle took place on November 11, in Eagle, Idaho. Flooring for the project was donated by NWFA member Mullican Flooring.

SSgt. Cottle was injured in 2009 while serving in Helmand Province, Afghanistan during his fourth deployment. He and his Explosive Ordnance Disposal team were on foot patrol clearing improvised explosive devices (IEDs) when one detonated under him, resulting in the loss of both legs.

“SSgt. Cottle has endured seven surgeries during his long recovery,” says NWFA President and CEO, Michael Martin. “While he continues to make significant progress as he navigates his new normal, wood flooring will provide him with increased mobility and independence. We’re honored to partner with Mullican to provide flooring for his new home.”

Photo Caption: United States Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Jesse Cottle, his wife Kelly, and daughters Grace & Isla.

In addition to the 41 homes already completed, NWFA currently is working with its members to source wood flooring for 16 additional R.I.S.E. homes in various stages of planning and construction. Currently, 132 NWFA member companies have donated product, logistics, and installation services in locations throughout the United States, with a total value of more than $4.56 million. A list of all NWFA R.I.S.E. participating companies can be found at http://www.nwfa.org/giving-back.aspx.

By the end of this year, 70 specially adapted smart homes will be completed or underway through the Gary Sinise Foundation R.I.S.E. program. 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.

The National Wood Flooring Association is a not-for-profit trade organization, with more than 3,200 member companies world-wide, dedicated to educating consumers, architects, designers, specifiers and builders in the uses and benefits of wood flooring. The NWFA is located at 111 Chesterfield Industrial Boulevard, Chesterfield, MO 63005, and can be contacted at 800.422.4556 (USA & Canada), 636.519.9663 (local and international), or at www.nwfa.org.

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