James Hardie provides sustainable siding to help support retreat center for veterans
CHICAGO (July 26, 2016) - Travis Mills has always been a patriot wanting to serve his country. It’s with that sense of patriotism that Travis joined the Army and rose through the ranks to become a Staff Sergeant. On April 10, 2012, during his third tour of duty in Afghanistan, and while on a routine patrol, Travis set his backpack down and inadvertently detonated an IED (Improvised Explosive Device). Travis lost portions of both of his arms and both of his legs in that explosion. He recalls thinking he would not survive this horrific attack and telling the medics to “Get away from me”, selflessly wanting them to focus on other survivors that needed medical attention.
With this strength, courage, the love and support of his family, and the amazing staff of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Travis was able to survive, though each day since has been a battle trying to overcome the odds. Travis does things that defy logic and is constantly pushing his limitations through his love of snowboarding, bike riding and even parachuting from planes with the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team. He does not let what happened to him hold him back, instead he uses it to motivate himself and others to do more.
Travis’ inspirational story has been retold in an award winning documentary, “Travis: A Soldier’s Story” and his autobiography, Tough As They Come, is a New York Times Best Seller. He even finds time to consult and speak at corporate events to inspire people to overcome their own personal adversities. In September 2013, he founded the Travis Mills Foundation which is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping wounded and disabled veterans and their families get a new chance at life.
During his recovery at Walter Reed, Travis discovered a passion for encouraging fellow wounded veterans when he traveled from room to room in the hospital and met others whose lives had been radically reshaped by the wars.
Today, Travis continues his mission by showing wounded veterans and their families that they can overcome their physical and emotional challenges and find purpose by staying the course through their recovery.
The Foundation is actively involved with several dynamic veteran’s initiatives, in particular the newly-purchased former Maine Chance Lodge once owned by cosmetics pioneer, Elizabeth Arden (1878‐1966). Travis’s dream is to turn the historic lodge into a retreat center for wounded and disabled veterans and their families.
Once renovated, the retreat will fill a vital role in the recovery, camaraderie, spousal support, reconnection, and relaxation of our military heroes. Travis hopes the center will become a true and lasting symbol of a grateful nation.
Travis is many things; veteran, husband, father, hero, but the one thing he is not, is a victim.
“I’m not a victim, and refuse to be portrayed that way. Case closed”
– Travis Mills
When the Travis Mills foundation came to James Hardie® for their exterior cladding needs, we were more than happy to help. We at James Hardie find Travis’ story to be an inspiration and are proud to be a Titanium level Travis Mills Foundation sponsor having donated over $50,000 worth of material to support this tremendous cause. We strongly believe that because our siding is low maintenance and is durable enough to withstand Maine’s harsh weather conditions, it is the perfect material to be used for this retreat center. Thank you Travis, for being a true American hero.
For more information on the Travis Mills Foundation please go to:
http://www.travismills.org/
To support Travis’ cause, please go to:
http://www.travismills.org/donate/
