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A newly built home for Army veteran Chris Sanna featuring wood flooring donated and installed by National Wood Flooring Association members was dedicated Jan. 28 in House Springs, Mo.
“It’s a privilege to be a part of the Gary Sinise Foundation programs,” said NWFA CEO Michael Martin in a statement. “It’s important to recognize our veterans and their families for the many sacrifices they make on our behalf, and to give back in ways that can improve their lives.”
The home was built for Sanna through the Gary Sinise Foundation, which builds smart homes for veterans who need special accommodations due to disability. Sanna is paralyzed from the waste down, the tragic result of a violent robbery after he and his girlfriend were leaving a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game.
The 1,400 square feet of flooring on the main level of Sanna’s new home, as well as about 700 square feet of tile in the basement, was installed by volunteers from local installation companies recruited by NWFA St. Louis member Lockwood Flooring. The companies were All Wood Floor Company, JD’s Flooring, Jerry’s Fine Floors, Just Around the Corner and JW Hardwood Floors.
The 2¼-inch prefinished solid ash flooring that the volunteers installed was donated by Sheoga Hardwood Flooring and delivered by Ambassador Floors. This is the third home for which Sheoga has donated flooring.
The NWFA kicked off its partnership with the Gary Sinise Foundation during the 2015 Wood Flooring Expo as part of its mission to "Pay it Forward." Since the partnership began, the NWFA has committed or completed 16 homes through its partnership with the Gary Sinise Foundation. More member participation will be needed in the future, Martin said.
To get involved, contact the NWFA via email or call (800) 422-4556.