NWFA launches partnership to benefit members and military veterans

[St. Louis, Mo.] When former U.S. Marine and combat veteran Nick Kimmel walked to the pitcher’s mound before the St. Louis Cardinals baseball game on April 28, he represented the Gary Sinise Foundation. He represented veterans across the country. And, standing on two prosthetic legs and having only his right arm with which to toss the ceremonial first pitch, he represented what is possible.

The fans filling Busch Stadium cheered Kimmel for his service and sacrifice, and undoubtedly for accomplishing what many hadn’t imagined could be done. More than 600 members of the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) were in the crowd that evening, supporting all that Kimmel represented on the field, and the NWFA’s new partnership with the Gary Sinise Foundation. The NWFA supports military veterans.  

Gary Sinise Foundation’s R.I.S.E. (Restoring Independence, Supporting Empowerment) program builds smart homes for veterans who have sacrificed their health, many losing multiple limbs during their military service. Gary Sinise, the Oscar-nominated actor, attended NWFA’s Wood Flooring Expo in St. Louis to officially announce his foundation’s partnership with the NWFA, giving a stirring 15-minute speech to an overflow crowd at Expo’s Kickoff General Session.

“Our partnership with the Gary Sinise Foundation is about serving others, and about creating win-win opportunities for veterans and NWFA members,” said Michael Martin, NWFA President & CEO. “It’s a chance, on a national level, for our members to take part in paying forward expert knowledge, skills and resources, while also benefiting personally and professionally.”

The following eight NWFA member manufacturers have committed to providing materials: American OEM, Mannington Wood Floors, MAPEI, Mullican Flooring, Rust-Oleum, Sheoga Hardwood Flooring, Somerset Hardwood Flooring, and WD Flooring. Distributors and contractors in the communities where homes are being built will have opportunities to participate, as well, creating locally based support for the home-building projects.

“The Gary Sinise Foundation greatly values the support of generous corporate partners in order to address the critical needs of our wounded,” said Judy Otter, Executive Director of Gary Sinise Foundation. “The NWFA really stepped up for the veterans, their caregivers, and families in our R.I.S.E Program, including Nick Kimmel, and we are eternally grateful for their support.”

“I have seen firsthand the difference these projects make in the life of the veteran and his or her family,” said Barbara Titus, Sheoga Vice President. “We are proud to be part of this partnership between the NWFA and GSF. I look forward to other NWFA members joining the effort.”

[PRESS RELEASE]


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