St. Louis, Mo.—The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) has provided flooring for its 53rd 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 Rock Hill Police Officer Mathew Crosby took place on Dec. 11, in Defiance, Mo. Flooring for the project was donated by NWFA member American OEM.
Officer O’Connor graduated from the police academy in 2001, serving with the Pine Lawn and Rock Hill Police Departments. On April 9, 2010, Officer Crosby was responding to a domestic disturbance when he was shot. The bullet struck his shoulder and spinal cord, resulting in immediate paralysis.
“Despite his severe injuries, Officer Crosby remains physically active,” said NWFA president and CEO, Michael Martin. “He participates in CrossFit and spends time outdoors hunting and fishing with his two teenage sons. He even began an adaptive CrossFit program for kids and adults who use a wheelchair. We’re honored to partner with American OEM to provide flooring for his new home.”
In addition to the 53 homes already completed, NWFA currently is working with its members to source wood flooring for 15 additional R.I.S.E. homes in various stages of planning and construction. Currently, 141 NWFA member companies have donated product, logistics and installation services in locations throughout the United States, with a total value of more than $5.2 million.