Latest news with #PurpleHeartHomes
Fox News
3 days ago
- Health
- Fox News
FOX Sports, Purple Heart Homes help repair homes of 4 vets during Indy 500 week
Sunday's 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 was an eventful day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, as Álex Palou won his sixth race of the INDYCAR season, but there was something just as important happening off the track in the days leading up to the race. FOX Sports teamed up with Purple Heart Homes to help renovate and restore the homes of four veterans in the Indianapolis community ahead of the 2025 Indy 500. The work, which included roof and floor replacements, bathroom renovations and more, was commended by Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, who declared the week prior to race week "Purple Heart Homes & Partners Veteran Impact Week." "This collaboration between FOX Sports, Purple Heart Homes and Home Repairs for Good is exactly the type of public-private partnership that Indianapolis is known for," Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said of FOX Sports and Purple Heart Homes' efforts. "To see this partnership project result in life-changing home improvements for some of our city's bravest heroes is truly inspiring. The City of Indianapolis and our Office of Veteran's Affairs are grateful to all those who helped make this dream a reality." Gary Dean, a U.S. Army veteran, was one of the four people who had their homes renovated through FOX Sports and Purple Heart Homes' efforts. Dean has faced homelessness and battled congestive heart failure in recent years, with his health issues and financial difficulties preventing him from repairing the leaking roof of the home he's lived in over the last five years. He is also the primary caregiver for his best friend, who is battling Stage 4 cancer. "With her, I just can't see what she was going through without somebody stepping up and not helping out," Dean said. "I've just gotta help." Thanks to FOX Sports and Purple Heart Homes, Dean's home got the roof repair he's long needed. "Purple Heart Homes and FOX Sports stepped up, put a new roof on my home for me and took a huge weight off my shoulders," Dean said. It will keep me in my home for many more years and keep me out of assisted living in the future. They just stepped up big time. … I can't appreciate them enough." Kevin Smith, who is also a U.S. Army and National Guard veteran with a total of 10 years of service, needed his kitchen flooring replaced. He also needed major bathroom renovations as the room was inoperable for over five years. A lifelong resident of Indianapolis, Smith's family is of great importance to him. He met his wife 50 years ago through his neighbors, and the couple has seven children, with six of them still living in Indiana. So, when FOX Sports and Purple Heart Homes were able to do the necessary renovations to Smith's home, he couldn't help but think about the future functions he could finally have at his house again. "I don't want to complain," Smith said. "You want to row the boat instead of trying to rock it. We have not been able to have family over for Christmas for five years and we can't wait to spend time with them in our home." Donald Covington, a U.S. Marine veteran, was injured during his time in combat, but has persevered. He was stabbed 13 times during his line of duty. Unfortunately, Covington has still had to fight in the years since he was deployed. He suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and is battling prostate cancer. Covington's 22-year-old daughter, Lilly, still lives with him. However, the two needed renovations done to the roof of their home with water intrusion threatening its structural safety. Luckily, they were able to get the help they needed thanks to the initiative from FOX Sports and Purple Heart Homes. "All I can say is, everything was great!" Covington said. "I knew I wasn't able to make the repairs. I didn't know where help would come from, but it showed up with you showing up [Purple Heart Homes]. I'm just so thankful. Thank you just so, so much." The fourth veteran, who served in the U.S. Army, opted to remain anonymous. FOX Sports and Purple Heart Homes both felt it was vital to help those who served the country in the lead-up to the Indy 500, which is annually held on Memorial Day weekend. "It's an honor to work alongside Purple Heart Homes to improve the quality of life for veterans in Indianapolis by providing the housing solutions they need to thrive in their communities," FOX Sports CEO Eric Shanks said in a statement. "The partnership between FOX Sports and Purple Heart Homes is central to our efforts to serve the military heroes who selflessly served us." "This work is about restoring dignity, independence and peace of mind to the people who have given so much to our country," Purple Heart Homes Board chair Dave Sternberg added. "We are honored by the continued partnership of FOX Sports and look forward to what lies ahead in our growing collaboration with Home Repairs for Good." Dean's story was featured during FOX's broadcast coverage of the Indy 500, and the veterans got to spend time at Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the weekend of the race thanks to FOX Sports and INDYCAR, touring the track and FOX Sports' set at the track. Now, the four veterans can watch all INDYCAR races from the comfort of their own homes without worry. They can also take in the Indiana Pacers' playoff run, too. Smith was wearing a Pacers t-shirt when Purple Heart Homes made the proper repairs to his home. Above all, these veterans are thankful that they've been recognized for their service to their country. "You get a lot of tip of the hats and thank yous when people recognize you as a veteran," Dean said. "I think that's as much appreciation as I need." Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily!
Fox Sports
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Fox Sports
FOX Sports, Purple Heart Homes help repair homes of 4 vets during Indy 500 week
Sunday's 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 was an eventful day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, as Álex Palou won his sixth race of the INDYCAR season, but there was something just as important happening off the track in the days leading up to the race. FOX Sports teamed up with Purple Heart Homes to help renovate and restore the homes of four veterans in the Indianapolis community ahead of the 2025 Indy 500. The work, which included roof and floor replacements, bathroom renovations and more, was commended by Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, who declared the week prior to race week "Purple Heart Homes & Partners Veteran Impact Week." "This collaboration between FOX Sports, Purple Heart Homes and Home Repairs for Good is exactly the type of public-private partnership that Indianapolis is known for," Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said of FOX Sports and Purple Heart Homes' efforts. "To see this partnership project result in life-changing home improvements for some of our city's bravest heroes is truly inspiring. The City of Indianapolis and our Office of Veteran's Affairs are grateful to all those who helped make this dream a reality." Gary Dean, a U.S. Army veteran, was one of the four people who had their homes renovated through FOX Sports and Purple Heart Homes' efforts. Dean has faced homelessness and battled congestive heart failure in recent years, with his health issues and financial difficulties preventing him from repairing the leaking roof of the home he's lived in over the last five years. He is also the primary caregiver for his best friend, who is battling Stage 4 cancer. "With her, I just can't see what she was going through without somebody stepping up and not helping out," Dean said. "I've just gotta help." Thanks to FOX Sports and Purple Heart Homes, Dean's home got the roof repair he's long needed. "Purple Heart Homes and FOX Sports stepped up, put a new roof on my home for me and took a huge weight off my shoulders," Dean said. It will keep me in my home for many more years and keep me out of assisted living in the future. They just stepped up big time. … I can't appreciate them enough." Kevin Smith, who is also a U.S. Army and National Guard veteran with a total of 10 years of service, needed his kitchen flooring replaced. He also needed major bathroom renovations as the room was inoperable for over five years. A lifelong resident of Indianapolis, Smith's family is of great importance to him. He met his wife 50 years ago through his neighbors, and the couple has seven children, with six of them still living in Indiana. So, when FOX Sports and Purple Heart Homes were able to do the necessary renovations to Smith's home, he couldn't help but think about the future functions he could finally have at his house again. "I don't want to complain," Smith said. "You want to row the boat instead of trying to rock it. We have not been able to have family over for Christmas for five years and we can't wait to spend time with them in our home." Donald Covington, a U.S. Marine veteran, was injured during his time in combat, but has persevered. He was stabbed 13 times during his line of duty. Unfortunately, Covington has still had to fight in the years since he was deployed. He suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and is battling prostate cancer. Covington's 22-year-old daughter, Lilly, still lives with him. However, the two needed renovations done to the roof of their home with water intrusion threatening its structural safety. Luckily, they were able to get the help they needed thanks to the initiative from FOX Sports and Purple Heart Homes. "All I can say is, everything was great!" Covington said. "I knew I wasn't able to make the repairs. I didn't know where help would come from, but it showed up with you showing up [Purple Heart Homes]. I'm just so thankful. Thank you just so, so much." The fourth veteran, who served in the U.S. Army, opted to remain anonymous. FOX Sports and Purple Heart Homes both felt it was vital to help those who served the country in the lead-up to the Indy 500, which is annually held on Memorial Day weekend. "It's an honor to work alongside Purple Heart Homes to improve the quality of life for veterans in Indianapolis by providing the housing solutions they need to thrive in their communities," FOX Sports CEO Eric Shanks said in a statement. "The partnership between FOX Sports and Purple Heart Homes is central to our efforts to serve the military heroes who selflessly served us." "This work is about restoring dignity, independence and peace of mind to the people who have given so much to our country," Purple Heart Homes Board chair Dave Sternberg added. "We are honored by the continued partnership of FOX Sports and look forward to what lies ahead in our growing collaboration with Home Repairs for Good." Dean's story was featured during FOX's broadcast coverage of the Indy 500, and the veterans got to spend time at Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the weekend of the race thanks to FOX Sports and INDYCAR, touring the track and FOX Sports' set at the track. Now, the four veterans can watch all INDYCAR races from the comfort of their own homes without worry. They can also take in the Indiana Pacers' playoff run, too. Smith was wearing a Pacers t-shirt when Purple Heart Homes made the proper repairs to his home. Above all, these veterans are thankful that they've been recognized for their service to their country. "You get a lot of tip of the hats and thank yous when people recognize you as a veteran," Dean said. "I think that's as much appreciation as I need." Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily ! FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience NTT INDYCAR SERIES recommended Get more from NTT INDYCAR SERIES Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
Associated Press
6 days ago
- General
- Associated Press
Wounded Marine and His Family to Receive Life-Changing Home Makeover on Military Makeover with Montel®
The Reeves Family of North Carolina, Honored for Their Service and Resilience, to Be Featured in Upcoming Season Airing on Lifetime TV. 'The story of the Reeves family is one of resilience and commitment to community. We are honored to recognize and uplift a family who truly embodies the heart of service to their fellow veterans.'— Nicole Oropesa, President of BrandStar Entertainment KING, NC, UNITED STATES, May 28, 2025 / / -- Military Makeover with Montel® along with Official Non-Profit Partner, Purple Heart Homes, proudly announces its upcoming season spotlighting the remarkable story of U.S. Marine Corps veteran Sean Reeves and his family. Coming to Lifetime TV this summer, this season will follow an inspiring path of bravery, dedication, and recovery, culminating in a well-earned home makeover for a selfless family. Sean's courageous service and sacrifice were recognized with many military decorations, such as the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, NATO Medal ISAF Afghanistan, and the Afghanistan Campaign Ribbon, among others. Montel Williams' co-host Jennifer Bertrand and Purple Heart Homes CEO John Gallina spoke at the King, NC event where Mayor Rick McCraw proclaimed May 16, 2025, as 'Military Makeover with Montel in honor of Sean Reeves Day' and went on to declare June as 'Military Makeover' month. Driven by the September 11th attacks experienced during his upbringing in Greensboro, North Carolina, Sean Reeves enlisted in the United States Marine Corps upon his 2008 high school graduation. He served as an infantry rifleman (0311) with the First Battalion, Second Marines and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2010. During Operation Northern Penetration, Mr. Reeves sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and three gunshot wounds resulting from an improvised explosive device (IED) detonation and subsequent ambush. Despite these severe injuries, he continued his military service until his medical retirement in 2011. Presently, Mr. Reeves is employed as a Care Coordinator at Veterans Bridge Home, providing support to veterans and their families as they navigate challenging transitions. Notwithstanding persistent chronic pain, cognitive impairments, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and having achieved remission from non-Hodgkin lymphoma, he remains a dedicated advocate and an essential source of support within the veteran community. His soulmate, Ms. Marilyn Cecilia Williams, a junior programmer/analyst at Atrium Wake Forest Health, shares his life journey. They reconnected years after high school at Mr. Reeves's sister's wedding and have maintained their relationship since 2015. Ms. Williams contributes significantly to their household with her warmth, resilience, and creative pursuits in gardening, animal care, and artistic expression, which are integral to their family's fortitude. 'The story of the Reeves family is one of resilience and commitment to community,' said Nicole Oropesa, President of BrandStar Entertainment. 'Through Military Makeover with Montel, we are honored to recognize and uplift a family who truly embodies the heart of service to their fellow veterans.' With the help of generous partners and the King, NC community, alongside Co-Host Art Edmonds and Designer Jennifer Bertrand, Military Makeover with Montel will renovate the Reeves family home to reflect the care, accessibility, and comfort they deserve. This makeover will not only serve their daily needs—it will celebrate their unwavering dedication to service and one another. Full makeover will be realized between June 10th to June 22nd. The reveal of the home makeover will be filmed on June 22nd. To volunteer, click here. Media Contact: Kristen Noffsinger, SVP, Kreps PR | [email protected] | 954-464-7388 ### Military Makeover with Montel: Military Makeover with Montel® is an award-winning reality TV series dedicated to transforming the homes and lives of military families across the country. Hosted by Veteran, Author and TV Personality Montel Williams, alongside Co-Host Art Edmonds and Designer Jennifer Bertrand, the show brings together businesses, non-profits, and local communities to create lasting change for those who've served. Airing on Lifetime® and the American Forces Network, Military Makeover is more than a renovation show—it's a powerful mission where help, healing, and hope truly start at home. For more information, visit and follow us on X @MilitaryMakeover and Facebook and Instagram @MilitaryMakeover. Purple Heart Homes: Purple Heart Homes is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded by John Gallina and the late Dale Beatty, two Iraq combat-wounded Veterans who started a mission to provide housing solutions for Service-Connected Disabled Veterans and their families. Driven by the belief that no Veteran should be left behind, Purple Heart Homes, together with the community, is committed to ensuring quality of life solutions for Disabled American Veterans from all eras. Purple Heart Homes – Improving Veterans' Lives One Home at a Time. For more information, visit and follow us on X @PHHTweet and Facebook and Instagram @PurpleHeartHomes. Kristen Noffsinger Kreps PR & Marketing +1 954-464-7388 [email protected] Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Fox Sports
21-05-2025
- Business
- Fox Sports
FOX Sports Teams With Purple Heart Homes to Transform Veterans' Lives Ahead of Indianapolis 500 - Fox Sports Press Pass
Housing Renovations in Local Community Highlight Company's Commitment to Support America's Heroes LOS ANGELES – FOX Sports today announces a major initiative with national non-profit partner Purple Heart Homes to renovate and restore the homes – and lives – of U.S. military veterans in Indianapolis ahead of the network's inaugural coverage of the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, Sunday, May 25 , on FOX, FOX Deportes and the FOX Sports app. The initiative, powered by a charitable grant from the FOX Sports Gamechanger Fund and Fox Corporation's FOX Forward program, enables Purple Heart Homes to complete major home renovations for four local veterans in Indianapolis and highlights a shared mission to ensure veterans in the local community can age in place with safety, dignity and independence. The work includes roof and floor replacements, bathroom renovations and barrier-free upgrades designed to improve veterans' safety and accessibility and support their long-term, independent living. 'It's an honor to work alongside Purple Heart Homes to improve the quality of life for veterans in Indianapolis by providing the housing solutions they need to thrive in their communities,' said Eric Shanks, CEO and Executive Producer, FOX Sports. 'The partnership between FOX Sports and Purple Heart Homes is central to our efforts to serve the military heroes who selflessly served us.' In recognition of this meaningful work, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hegsett officially proclaimed the week of May 12-18 'Purple Heart Homes & Partners Veteran Impact Week,' commending the collaborative efforts of FOX Sports, its parent company, Fox Corporation, and Purple Heart Homes in serving the city's veteran community in the lead-up to the Indianapolis 500. The proclamation acknowledges the critical role of safe and accessible housing in supporting veterans and celebrates the public-private partnerships that made this mission possible. 'This partnership reflects the spirit of service, collaboration and community that defines the city of Indianapolis and sets a powerful example of what can be achieved when public, private and non-profit sectors work together in support of our heroes,' the proclamation reads. Last week, veterans Kevin Smith (U.S. Air Force), Gary Dean (U.S. Army), Donald Covington (U.S. Marines) and a U.S. Army veteran who asked to remain anonymous began receiving personalized home renovations thanks to this initiative. Each transformation, completed by Purple Heart Homes with support from local Indianapolis non-profit Home Repairs for Good, showcases the collective power of national funding and community action. 'This work is about restoring dignity, independence and peace of mind to the people who have given so much to our country,' said Dave Sternberg, Chair of the Purple Heart Homes Board. 'We are honored by the continued partnership of FOX Sports and look forward to what lies ahead in our growing collaboration with Home Repairs for Good.' As part of FOX Sports' coverage of the Indianapolis 500, viewers across the country will see featured storytelling across its platforms spotlighting the impact this partnership is having on veterans in real-time, reinforcing FOX Sports' deep-rooted support of military and veteran communities. During race weekend, FOX Sports in partnership with INDYCAR and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway will welcome the veterans and Purple Heart Homes leaders to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for an unforgettable experience that includes behind-the-scenes access to FOX Sports broadcast sets, meet-and-greets with FOX Sports on-air personalities, exclusive tours of the racetrack garages and VIP tickets for race day. The FOX Sports Gamechanger Fund is a part of the company's corporate social responsibility initiatives to give back to local communities in cities nationwide. Founded in 2020 to benefit non-profit partners in its Super Bowl host cities, the fund has since expanded to further the company's mission to support and create fighting chances for our nation's military heroes through its FOX Sports Supports corporate social responsibility initiative in connection to the company's presentation of its tentpole sporting events.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
U.S. Army Veteran in Centre County receives free roof replacement
CENTRE COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — A U.S. Army Veteran in Clarence is enjoying a brand-new roof that was done completely free. Gilbert Biggans, is a Vietnam War Veteran who served in the U.S. Army. Biggans recently got a roof replacement and said it leaked, so he was looking for assistance from the county to help get it replaced. He was directed to the Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project. Through a partnership with Purple Heart Homes, Biggans was selected and approved as the recipient for the roof replacement. PHOTOS: Barn destroyed after fire in Centre County The Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project is a nationwide effort to show gratitude and honor the veterans who served their country and the families who support them. Since the program's inception in 2016, more than 650 military members have received new roofs. 'It's wonderful, because prior to this, I had another company do it, and the roof leaks. And so with this now I can do the ceiling tiles now. And to the company, they are great, wonderful, I can't find the words to describe them,' Biggans said. Starway Roof Systems installed the roof for Biggans, Zane Schober, a site supervisor, said, 'It brings a tear to my eye listening to his story. For us, it's great to come out here and support the community, especially the ones who served our country.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
