ST. LOUIS, Missouri (January 16, 2026) – The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) has provided flooring for its 82nd 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. Navy Commander Robert Ballard took place on October 1, 2025, in Chesapeake, VA. Flooring for the project was donated by NWFA member Mullican Flooring.

Commander Ballard started his career as a naval aviator and flew helicopters on multiple deployments throughout the Middle East during his 20-year military career. Upon his retirement, he became a professional flight instructor. In 2021, he was working with a student at a Navy Outlying Field when he was involved in a devastating crash. While his quick actions that day saved his life and his student’s, Commander Ballard suffered severe injuries, including paralysis.

“Commander Ballard endured six months of surgeries and physical therapy following his injury,” says Stephanie Owen, NWFA President & CEO. “His new home will eliminate many of the daily challenges he now faces and will be an enduring reminder of our gratitude for his service to our country. We’re honored to partner with Mullican Flooring to provide beautiful real wood floors for his new home.”

In addition to the 82 homes already completed, NWFA currently is working with its members to source wood flooring for 14 additional R.I.S.E. homes in various stages of planning and construction. Currently, 162 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.

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 3,000 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 14 Research Park Drive, St. Charles, MO 63304, and can be contacted at 800.422.4556 (USA & Canada), 636.519.9663 (local and international), or at www.nwfa.org.