Military Makeover

Fencing Companies Give Back

The Carolinas Fence Association has completed seven projects with Purple Heart Homes over the last five years. These projects provide a fence as a portion of a larger Military Makeover project spearheaded by Purple Heart Homes. The material cost for these projects totals over $70,000, and it’s completely free for the veteran.

Military Makeover with Montel Williams is produced and broadcast on Lifetime Network. The next project is scheduled for July 2024 and another one will air later in the year in the 4th quarter.

“Purple Heart Homes partnered with Military Makeover in 2023,” explains Scott Galpin, sales and operations manager with SRF Fence/Trex Fence Products. “One of their fence contractors couldn’t work on the project in Texas. Through the relationship of Purple Heart Homes and the Carolinas Fence Association/American Fence Association, we reached out to the Texas AFA Chapter, and they were able to step in to help. Purple Heart Homes had other projects lined up in our chapter area, so the Carolinas chapter was able to get involved. It’s been an honor to work with their organizations and the veterans.”

Galpin, along with Jon McCoy with Eastern Wholesale Fence – Fort Mill are the primary contacts with Purple Heart Homes for the Carolinas Chapter. Purple Heart Homes is an organization dedicated to helping disabled veterans with a variety of needs. It could be a bathroom remodel, wheelchair ramp, a new tiny house or even a fence. It was a great partnership when they collaborated with Military Makeover with Montel Williams because their goals are so well aligned.
“In a recent project that we did in Statesville, North Carolina, they needed a new fence to ensure the children of the veteran could play safely outside,” Galpin says. “The children were home schooled, so they used their back yard for a playing and learning environment since a new shed was brought in by the show to be their outdoor classroom.”

Another project was done recently in Lake Worth Beach, Florida. The veteran sustained injuries while overseas. A hot tub was installed where he could soak his damaged muscles. He needed a fence to provide privacy and security. “The makeover team came in and installed the hot tub along with an amazing tiki hut that his family is enjoying,” explains Galpin. “We provided the fence for the hot tub and backyard to give them the security that many veterans need to feel safe.”

“All of the families have specific needs that the show and volunteers try to meet,” he says. “It’s been an overwhelming success. The looks on the veterans’ families faces at the reveal prove that all the hard work is worth it. These families can now focus on being together while that veteran is healing and enjoying time with their families.”

The Carolinas chapter reaches out to local AFA membership to invite anyone who would like to participate. Galpin helps get materials donated and works with the local contractors on the fence layout, making sure material counts are correct, and getting utilities marked ahead of time. “We have been blessed to have so many great companies that are willing to support a great cause by donating their time and products,” he says. “This would not be possible without the generosity of these companies.”

“The focus of these projects is simple - service. It is an amazing feeling to help someone else in need and for us to focus our energy and efforts to serve,” Galpin says. “One of my favorite moments was at the end of the Statesville, North Carolina, project when one of the fence crews said, ‘I can’t believe we had four different fence contractors working on the same project and no one argued over how to put in the fence.’ That proves we’re all focused on the veteran’s family.”

For Galpin and McCoy, serving others is a priority. “We’ve both been chapter presidents, AFA board members and we look for opportunities to partner with organizations doing great things,” Galpin says. “Purple Heart Homes allows us to serve those who protect us. I get way more out of these projects by serving our veterans than they get from a fence. My sincere appreciation goes out to everyone who has served on these projects, and I look forward to future projects.”

Watch the next Military Makeover on Lifetime Network (on demand)
Statesville NC – The Bowman Family
Lake Worth FL – The Kruspe Family