NWFA Completes 44th Home with Gary Sinise Foundation
The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) has provided flooring for its 44th 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 Air Force Technical Sergeant (Ret.) Matthew Slaydon took place on May 19, in Bayfield, Colorado. Flooring for the project was donated by NWFA member Muscanell Millworks, through its distributor, Palo Duro Hardwoods. Installation, sanding and finishing for the project were donated by Eugen Lägler GmbH, and Benchmark Wood Floors.
TSgt Slaydon was injured in 2007 in Baghdad during his third deployment. While on a call with his team as a counter-improvised explosive device (IED) team leader, an IED with 15 pounds of homemade explosives, rebar, nails, and wood screws exploded two feet in front of him. The blast resulted in the loss of his left dominant arm, and his left eye. He also suffered bilateral blindness without light perception, and many other severe injuries.