Meet Charlie Lewis, Veteran: Baths for the Brave Community Giveback

According to the U.S Census Bureau, Texas is home to the second-largest Veteran population in the United States. Many of those Veterans are living with disability and face everyday challenges including bathing. In honor of Veterans Day, Expo Home Improvement is teaming up with 9 home improvement companies across the country for the 4^th annual Baths for the Brave event. That being said, we'd like to introduce you to someone special! Meet Charlie.

Charlie Lewis is a Texas native who recently moved back to his hometown of Nocona, Texas this past summer. Charlie is a son, father, friend, and recently retired US Air Force Veteran. Charlie served in the Air Force from September 1999 - to February 2020 and was stationed in several places including South Korea, California, Alaska, Qatar, and more. During his 20 years, he was deployed 13 times.

During Charlie's 17^th year of service, he contracted a serious infection that caused his entire body to shut down. As the infection spread, it had long-lasting effects. Charlie suffered from 8 strokes, lost his left leg, and only has 50% functionality in his right leg due to the infection. Although Charlie has gone through many trials, he maintains a positive attitude and hopeful outlook on life.

When asked what being a part of Baths for the Brave meant, Charlie said, "I love the thought behind it and what the operation stands for. Anytime you can take any type of pain or discomfort from someone's everyday life, it's something you take away for the rest of their life. It's truly life-changing."

Baths for the Brave was created by Tundraland Home Improvements, a Wisconsin-based home remodeling company, as a way to provide local veterans and families in need with remodeled bathrooms, all free of charge. Brian Gottlieb, creator of Baths for the Brave and owner of Tundraland, says, "Giving back is a fundamental way of life for us at Tundraland. It's more than what we do; it's who we are."

All participating home improvement companies, including Tundraland, will donate 100 percent of their time and materials to a veteran in need from their own local community. The remodels across the country will all take place simultaneously. Additional participating companies also include:

• Alenco Home Improvement
• Lori K Bath
• MaxHome
• MidWest Bath
• NEWPRO Home Improvement
• Reborn Bath Solutions
• Tundraland Home Improvements

For more information on Baths for the Brave, including more information about the Murphy family; additional veteran stories from across the country, why each company wanted to get involved, and how you can follow this special event, please visit https://bathsforthebrave.com/.