“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” traveled to Hattiesburg, Miss., in early December to meet Sherman Heathcock, a devoted husband and father who re-enlisted in the Army National Guard following 9/11. In that time, he has served two tours of duty in Iraq where he leads squads in combat missions. When he is fortunate to spend time at home, Heathcock works several jobs, which leave little time to repair the devastating damage to their home left by Hurricane Katrina.

In addition to his work for the Army National Guard, Heathcock works as a sheriff’s deputy, a SWAT team leader, a grocery store security guard, a neighborhood watch group organizer, and volunteers his time to provide security for his kids’ school and coach his son’s football and baseball teams while his wife, Gina, works part-time as a paralegal.

During Heathcock’s first tour in Iraq, Hurricane Katrina sent several large trees crashing through their property and onto their home. Adding insult to injury, while beginning to tackle the long list of repairs, Gina fell victim to a re-roofing scam. The rotting ceilings and damaged foundation are crumbling beneath them and with Heathcock currently serving in Iraq, his wife and kids are worried about losing the battle in their own home.

With a goal of constructing a new house in one week, AAA Homes of MS is gearing up to build Hattiesburg’s first green certified home and help a deserving family make their dream come true.

“It’s a blessing and privilege to be asked to help a real hero in our community,” said builder David Thompson of AAA Homes of MS. “The people of Hattiesburg are stepping up to help a family that needs a new home and the nation will have a chance to see what makes Hattiesburg such a special place to live.”

The Heathcock’s were chosen from among five families in the greater Hattiesburg area.

“The city of Hattiesburg is honored to be a part of such a life changing moment for this family. My desire is, as people experience volunteering on such an extreme level, that the citizens of Hattiesburg will be spurred on to continue the effort to give back. I hope that everyone will come away with a new appreciation for working together and volunteering that doesn’t end when we ’move that bus’,” said Hattiesburg Mayor Johnny Dupree.

Mid-South Machinery of Mississippi, a Hyundai Construction Equipment dealer, provided its services as the demolition team for the project.

For more information, visit http://www.extremehattiesburg.com/.

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