Hardwood Floors February/March 2017

Captain Avi la

Question & Answer with

for a first responder, Michael Flamion, this coming year. Police Officer Flamion was shot in the neck during a routine traffic stop near St. Louis last year. The incident left him paralyzed from the neck down. “Officer Flamion’s project will be special for us here at NWFA because we’ll be able to participate in every phase of construction,” says Martin. “His new home will be built just a few miles from our office, so we’ll have many opportunities to visit the jobsite and get involved as part of his extended support network. That’s ultimately a big part of the program as well.” Titus agrees that support of the program involves more than just providing wood floors. She points out that these veterans and first responders volunteer to do a job from which many others would run. “One thing I’ve learned is that for anything these individuals lack in physical form, they more than make up for in terms of their character, their drive, and their integrity,” says Titus. “I am honored to know them and consider them my friends.” More poignantly, however, Titus sums it up this way: “A wise man once said, ‘The two most important days in your life are the day you are born, and then the day you find out why.’ I found my why.” To learn more about the Gary Sinise Foundation’s R.I.S.E. program, visit garysinisefoundation.org/programs/rise. To learn more about how you can get involved as an NWFA member, visit nwfa.org/giving-back.aspx , or contact the NWFA at 800.422.4556 .

Q. How many years have you served in the Army?

A. 16 years and counting!

Q. What do you remember about the day an IED changed your life?

A. My team went out to secure a downed UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle). After we accomplished our mission, we were blown up by a 600-pound mounted IED. I wanted to make sure my soldiers were okay. When I woke up, I was in the USA.

Q. What was your prognosis immediately following your injury?

A. I suffered two strokes, two heart attacks, a cardiac arrest, amputation, traumatic brain injury, an anoxic brain injury, and more. I was in a coma for 40 days. I could not see, talk or eat, for 2 ½ years. My wife calls me a miracle!

Q. What were the first few months of recovery like for you and your family?

A. It was very hard and complicated. My case was very complex and my prognosis was very bad. I suffered multiple infections and a lot of medical complications. Plus, we didn’t have a home for more than two years. I lived in the hospital, and my family lived in the Fisher House and Naval lodging.

Q. What does your recovery/therapy include now?

A. I receive therapy five days a week at Walter Reed Medical Center. I start at 0900 and work until 1600 every day. I was almost 90 percent paralyzed for nearly four years. Now I am about 60 percent paralyzed and I continue to work hard in my recovery.

Q. How did you first become familiar with the GSF R.I.S.E. program?

A. We heard about it at Walter Reed and how they were changing people’s lives. We met Gary and consider him a friend. Q. How will the home built for you and your family help you in your recovery? A. Our home is a dream come true! It will help me to improve my mobility, my independence, and my therapy in a safe and reliable environment. It also gives me pride to be able to do things on my own, and gives peace of mind to my family that I can safely navigate our home without supervision. A. I have a power chair that drives better on wood floors than on other surfaces. Thank you for providing them. They are beautiful and functional too! Q. How has your life changed since you received your home from GSF R.I.S.E.? A. I am finally free! I can move everywhere and anywhere with no limitations. It feels wonderful to be able to see my sons in their own rooms where I can sit and visit with them. I can help make a meal, I can take care of things, and I can do all the things I like to do. Our home is an amazing blessing and we are so grateful to everyone at the Gary Sinise Foundation and the NWFA for making it possible, both for our family, and all the other families you have touched. Q. How will the wood floors in your home affect your mobility?

Visit hardwoodfloorsmag.com to see more photos and video from the Avila home dedication event.

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