Mullican Flooring has awarded three military service members with a combined total of 3,000 square feet of American-made Mullican flooring as part of the company’s “Proud to Be an American” essay contest.

The contest encouraged the public to write essays highlighting active duty military personnel or retired veterans. Submitted from all areas of the country, the entries provided a glimpse of the service provided by the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. 

“Mullican Flooring is honored to celebrate the accomplishments of these individuals, as well as acknowledge the sacrifices they have made to serve to our country,” says Brian Greenwell, vice president of sales and marketing for the Johnson City, Tenn.-based company. “Each of these individuals has dedicated himself to helping others, on and off the job, and we are pleased to award them with American-made flooring in recognition of their selfless actions.” 

The grand prize of up to 1,500 square feet of flooring will be awarded to Curtis Rhymer, an Army major currently stationed in Germany. Rhymer, who will be retiring to the Tri-Cities (Tennessee/Virginia) region in April 2015 after 25 years of service, was nominated by his sister, Pam Rhymer. Her essay addressed Curtis' multiple tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as his commitment to veterans of both World Wars. 

Charles Mays, retired technical sergeant, U.S. Air Force, will be awarded 1,000 square feet of flooring. Mays was nominated by his daughter-in-law, Sylvia Mays, who referenced Mays’ service in Vietnam as a medic and his participation in air evacuations. Charles, a resident of Beaver, W.Va., is well known for the assistance he provided to young military members and their families during his active service. 

A third winner, Terence Propes, of Jacksonville, Fla., will receive 500 square feet of flooring. Propes, nominated by his wife, Christine, is in his 23rd year of service with the United States Navy. In addition to detailing Propes’ months-long deployments on a nuclear weapon submarine, the essay emphasized Propes’ willingness to help the families of his fellow sailors while the sailors are deployed. Whether checking on a house or walking a dog, Propes makes himself available to family members needing an extra hand or additional support.

Each of the winners will receive flooring from one of the following Mullican collections: HillShire, LincolnShire, Quail Hollow, and Ol’Virginian. These collections are manufactured in the U.S. and include solid and engineered flooring. These options also provide the winners a variety of choices in wood species, color palette and texture.

For more information, visit mullicanflooring.com.