Gary Sinise Foundation Aids Wounded Veteran's Home

Key facts

• The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) completed its 86th R.I.S.E. home.
• The Gary Sinise Foundation supports the R.I.S.E. program.
• Sergeant Dague lost both arms responding to an IED in Iraq in 2007.
• Dague also battled breast cancer after her military service.
• Peachey Hardwood donated the wood flooring for the home.
• NWFA is supplying flooring for 13 additional homes.
• 163 NWFA member companies have donated services and products.

Veteran's New Home Features Donated Wood Flooring

The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) has completed its 86th home through the R.I.S.E. (Rebuilding Independence, Supporting Empowerment) program, a significant initiative supported by the Gary Sinise Foundation. This latest project provided essential wood flooring for a wounded veteran, highlighting the ongoing commitment of industry partners to aid those who have served. The home, located in Four Oaks, North Carolina, stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit of the NWFA's membership. The donation of flooring materials came from NWFA member Peachey Hardwood, underscoring the direct impact of industry contributions on the lives of service members. This effort is part of a broader mission to provide accessible and comfortable living spaces for veterans facing significant challenges. The R.I.S.E. program, a cornerstone of the Gary Sinise Foundation's work, focuses on rebuilding lives and empowering veterans through tangible support.

A Veteran's Sacrifice and Resilience

The recipient of this 86th R.I.S.E. home is Sergeant Dague, a veteran whose service was marked by profound sacrifice. Dague's decision to enlist was directly inspired by the events of September 11, 2001. Her bravery was put to the ultimate test during a deployment in Iraq in 2007. While responding to an improvised explosive device (IED) positioned between a school and an apartment building, Dague and her team worked to dismantle the dangerous ordnance. In a moment of selfless courage, she moved to shield her team when the device unexpectedly shifted. The ensuing blast resulted in the loss of both her arms. Beyond her combat injuries, Sergeant Dague has also faced a significant health battle with breast cancer. Her resilience in the face of such adversity has drawn widespread admiration. As Stephanie Owen, NWFA president and CEO, noted, Dague's "positive attitude and fighting spirit" continue to inspire others, making the provision of a new home a deeply meaningful gesture.

Industry Mobilization for Support

The NWFA's commitment extends far beyond this single home. The organization is actively working with its members to supply wood flooring for an additional 13 homes that are currently in various stages of planning and construction. This sustained effort demonstrates a deep-seated dedication to supporting veterans. Across the United States, a total of 163 NWFA member companies have contributed to the R.I.S.E. program. Their involvement spans the donation of products, logistics, and installation services, showcasing a comprehensive industry-wide mobilization. A comprehensive list of these participating companies is publicly available on the NWFA's website, serving as a public acknowledgment of their vital contributions to veterans' well-being.

The R.I.S.E. Program's Broader Impact

The Gary Sinise Foundation's R.I.S.E. program is designed to address the multifaceted needs of wounded heroes and their families. It goes beyond simply providing housing, aiming to restore a sense of normalcy and independence. Through the construction of specially adapted smart homes, the program enables veterans with severe injuries to regain their freedom of movement and live more autonomously. This includes features tailored to their specific needs, ensuring their living environment supports their recovery and daily life. By partnering with organizations like the NWFA and its member companies, the R.I.S.E. program leverages broad community support to create lasting positive change for those who have made significant sacrifices for their country.

The bottom line

• The Gary Sinise Foundation's R.I.S.E. program has now supported the completion of 86 specially adapted homes for wounded veterans.
• Sergeant Dague, who lost both arms in Iraq in 2007 and later battled breast cancer, is the recipient of the 86th R.I.S.E. home.
• Peachey Hardwood, an NWFA member, donated the wood flooring for Sergeant Dague's new home.
• The NWFA is currently involved in providing flooring for 13 additional homes under the R.I.S.E. program.
• A total of 163 NWFA member companies have contributed products, logistics, and installation services to the R.I.S.E. initiative.
• The program aims to restore independence and improve the quality of life for severely injured veterans.