Key Takeaways
- The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) and the Gary Sinise Foundation have completed their 81st home for a severely wounded veteran.
- The recipient is retired U.S. Army Sergeant Matthew Krumwiede, who lost both legs in Afghanistan.
- The home is part of the foundation’s R.I.S.E. program, which builds mortgage-free, custom smart homes for veterans and first responders.
- NWFA members have contributed over $7 million in products, services, and logistics to the program to date.
The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) has once again partnered with the Gary Sinise Foundation, marking the completion of their 81st specially adapted smart home for a wounded American hero. The latest home was dedicated to retired U.S. Army Sergeant Matthew Krumwiede in Bellevue, Idaho, providing him with a foundation for a new chapter of independence.
This collaboration is a cornerstone of the Gary Sinise Foundation’s R.I.S.E. (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment) program. The initiative is dedicated to building and providing 100% mortgage-free, custom smart homes that address the unique challenges faced by severely wounded veterans and first responders.
A Hero’s Journey Home
Sergeant Matthew Krumwiede’s life was forever changed during his service. After enlisting in the Army right after high school, he served bravely in the infantry. While leading his squad on patrol in Afghanistan’s Kandahar province, he stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED). The blast resulted in catastrophic injuries, leading to the loss of both legs.
His road to recovery was long and arduous, involving nearly 50 surgeries and a year-long hospital stay that moved from intensive care to the burn unit and finally to rehabilitation. The new custom smart home is designed to alleviate the daily physical challenges he faces, empowering him to live more independently.
A Partnership Built on Gratitude
For this 81st home, NWFA member Metropolitan Hardwood Floors generously donated the flooring, providing a beautiful and functional surface for Sergeant Krumwiede’s new residence.
“Sergeant Krumwiede endured nearly 50 surgeries following his injury,” said Stephanie Owen, NWFA CEO. “His new home will eliminate many daily challenges and serve as an enduring reminder of our gratitude for his service. We’re honored to partner with Metropolitan Hardwood Floors to provide beautiful wood floors for his new home.”
An Ongoing Commitment
The NWFA’s commitment to the R.I.S.E. program remains strong. In addition to the 81 homes already completed, the association and its members are actively involved in sourcing flooring for 18 more projects currently in various stages of construction across the United States.
To date, 161 NWFA member companies have stepped up, donating products, installation services, and logistical support. The cumulative value of these contributions has now surpassed an incredible $7 million, showcasing the flooring industry’s deep commitment to honoring the nation’s heroes.
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