Military Makeover Style Guide: Carmody Family

CARMODY FAMILY

Style Guide

Your complete guide for an inside look into the Carmody Family Home

The Carmody Family

Originally from Nahant, Massachusetts, Jason Kevin Carmody, 42, went into the military out of a pure sense of duty. Witnessing the events following the September 11, 2001, catastrophe, Jason refused to stay idle. In turn, he joined the Massachusetts National Guard in July 2003, shortly after the United States announced the Iraq War. He felt compelled to do his part for his country. It was thanks to his training that allowed him to be present for his community.

In November 2003, he shipped out to Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Leonard Wood to become an MP (Military Police). Though this was a difficult period in his career, he was awarded the Military Police Regimental Crest at the end of his training. Soon after, in April 2004, he joined the National Guard Unit the 972nd MP Co., which was the chosen company for issues pertaining to the State. Jason, alongside his company, faced a variety of activations. From snowstorms to floodings, they were there – ready to serve. His service even led him to an activation in New Orleans, Louisiana, which took place after the events of Hurricane Katrina. “Deploying to New Orleans was one of the most humbling experiences of my life,” Jason tells Military Makeover with Montel®. “The absolute devastation was incomprehensible.”

A few years later, in 2007, he began training for deployment to Iraq. This was the original reason why he joined the military years prior. He was tasked to train Iraqi police while deployed. Jason returned from Iraq in 2008 just in time to celebrate Independence Day with his family. Currently, he is a Captain at the Department of Veterans Affairs Police. Jason proudly achieved various commendations throughout his career, including the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (3rd Award), Army Good Conduct Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, to name a few.

The decorated veteran wears his time in service with pride, yet he now struggles with PTSD, Lower Back Injury, IBS, Tinnitus, and Asthma. Though his might, grit, and sense of duty steered him throughout his military career, he had his family by his side cheering him every step of the way. Jason has been married to his wife, Alyssa Marie Carmody, for almost two decades. Alyssa, 40, is a School Social Worker for Lynn Public Schools and a Mental Health Counselor for Wilmington Family Counseling Services. They both share four beautiful children: Tyler (20), Mya (11), Jaxyn (8), and Lily (6). Military Makeover, with the support of our devoted partners, is honored to make the Carmody's dream home become a reality. They deserve this after their service to our grand country.

We invite you to look through this Style Guide and watch the Carmody Family season to see how we transformed their home with the help of our generous partners.

Montel Williams

MILITARY MAKEOVER HOST

Montel began his professional career in the United States Marine Corps, becoming the first black Marine selected to the Naval Academy Prep School to then go on to graduate from the United States Naval Academy. Williams earned a degree in general engineering and a minor in international security affairs and served in the military for a total of 22 years.

He is best known as the Emmy Award-winning host of The Montel Williams Show, which aired nationally for seventeen years. Along with being a New York Times bestselling author, entrepreneur and philanthropist, Montel is a passionate advocate for veterans, education and health. He serves on the board of directors for the Fisher House Foundation and the Anne Romney Center for Neurological Diseases at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Montel is thrilled to be a part of Military Makeover, relishing the opportunity to give back to his fellow veterans.

“Welcome to Boston foranothergreat MilitaryMakeover, theCarmodyFamily. Wecan’twaittoget startedandgivethis familyahomethey trulydeserve.”

“And we are back withanotheramazing editionofMilitary Makeover. For this makeover we are introducingthe CarmodyFamily,a familythatis extremelydeserving of this makeover and we are so honored to be here for them.”

Art Edmonds

MILITARY MAKEOVER HOST

Art Edmonds is a TV host, spokesperson and voiceover talent with over 17 years of experience. He is currently best known as the co-host of the TV series Military Makeover.

Since the show’s inception, Edmonds teamed with the late, great R.Lee Ermey, famed character actor and veteran, to give a complete home makeover to a deserving wounded U.S. veteran and his family. Now Art serves on the series alongside talk show legend and prominent veteran advocate Montel Williams to give back to our service men and women.

Art’s prominent narration credits includes three seasons on the Nat Geo Wild top-rated series Swamp Men for three seasons, docudrama series Planet Xtreme on The Weather Channel and two seasons on the Nat Geo Wild series Dr. K’s Exotic Animal ER.

Jennifer Bertrand

MILITARY MAKEOVER

HOST AND MASTER DESIGNER

Jennifer Bertrand is best known as the winner of HGTV’s popular series Design Star, drawing over 5 million viewers thanks to her nononsense, accessible approach to making positive and impactful design changes without breaking the bank. After taking the competition by storm, Jennifer moved on to host her own show, Paint Over! with Jennifer Bertrand, featuring families in transition and in desperate need of help.

Bertrand currently is the designer on the series Military Makeover, airing on Lifetime TV, and has appeared in countless media outlets such as USA Today, The New York Post, Rachel Ray Magazine, Life & Style Magazine, InStyle Magazine and is a frequent contributor to NBC.

“TheCarmody’sare suchahappy,kind familyandIcan’t waittogivethema homethattruly reflects that. We are goingtogivethem their dream home whilekeepingthe elementstheylove.”

Design Board

Kitchen

When it came to the Kitchen, Jennifer was ready to give it a full-on makeover. The kitchen originally felt too heavy for such a happy, kind family, and Jennifer knew exactly what she needed to do.

She extended the kitchen into the breakfast nook area to utilize all the vertical space as well as extending the floorboards to maximize the rooms space. She went light and bright with white cabinets and brandnew countertops. Making the entire room feel lighter, brighter, and happier.

Jennifer did the most design work when it came to the kitchen, because she believes it is the heart of the home, which is why she knew precisely how to bring it back to life. She even brought in a brand-new stove to make it the kitchen of Alyssa’s dreams.

Dining Room

Now this is Jen’s type of room to makeover. It was an easy fix with an addition of a gorgeous light fixture, and paint that matches the Carmody’s light and rustic feel.

She decided to keep their idea of large dining room table by putting in one that seats six, which is perfect for their big family. She then added in new furniture to create a beautiful area to store drinks, as well as adding in pictures to make the space warm and inviting.

This room was a fun flip for Jennifer, where she could brighten up the space to make it more cozy and feel more like the Carmody’s.

The Carmody Digest: The Power of Color and Light

he interplay of color and light within a living space holds the power to transform the inhabitants' well-being as well as open up the room. Natural light, in particular, is a potent force, known to elevate moods and diminish feelings of melancholy and unease.

Understanding the Carmody family's penchant for the color blue, our talented interior designer, Jennifer Bertrand, set out to create a harmonious environment by embracing their preferred palette. She did this while imbuing the space with a soothing ambiance using other shades of blue.

Bright spaces, bathed in natural light, have a unique ability to appear more expansive and inviting, which is a visual illusion that can help a small space feel a lot larger. In the Carmody household, this optical magic was achieved through a selection of more neutral and cooler tones, complemented by transparent curtains in the central living area. These curtains allowed for an abundance of natural light to pour into the room and enhanced the overall atmosphere.

The family also expressed their affinity for a rustic style in the space. This led to Jen choosing objects and accents in the space that not only complemented the new wall color but also contributed to the relaxing feel while still having that “worn” look.

Within the Carmody family's home, the deliberate use of color and light crafted an aesthetically pleasing space and elevated their spirits. Best of all, it gave the family a sense of tranquility.

Master Bedroom

Walking in Jennifer could already feel the room was bright and cheery but knew how to extenuate it to the best of its ability.

She decided to lose the scallop trimmings to bring in more of the natural light and switched the paint to more of a white and inviting color.

By adding in the extra greenery, she was able to liven up the room by giving it that natural, fresh feel. As well as adding in the warm cream and brown tones.

Maya & Lily’s Room

For Maya and Lily’s room, Jennifer was ready to break the room into two. She wanted to keep the original furniture while dividing the room into to halves to make it feel like the girls had their own spaces with their own styles.

Maya is in seventh grade and Jennifer really wanted to give her a space that is fit for a teenager. Maya’s room pictured above.

Lilly loves unicorns and rainbows, so Jennifer turned her half of the room into the perfect escape where she can let her imagination run wild. Lily’s room pictured to the right.

Jaxyn’s Room

Walking into Jaxyn’s room Jennifer was ready to create a bedroom fit for any boy. What boy doesn’t love sports and video games, and that is exactly the route Jennifer went with.

To turn this room into the perfect fit for Jaxyn, Jennifer knew she had to incorporate one of his favorite sports, and what other than bringing in a basketball hoop for Jaxyn to dunk in whenever he wanted to.

She wanted to give him a space to play video games to his hearts content, so she added in an elevated bed with an added in desk at the bottom for a space to put in all of Jaxyn’s gaming supplies. To make it even better she brought in the perfect gaming chair for any master gamer.

Jason’s Mancave

One of Jason’s dreams when it came to this makeover was having a space just for him, where he can go and relax or just let loose after a long day.

Jennifer created the perfect mancave with everything he would ever need, including memorabilia from his time in the military for him to look back on whenever he wanted.

The Carmody Backyard Oasis

reating a true backyard paradise is not just about aesthetics; it's about bringing the family together. A relaxing and enjoyable outdoor space encourages family bonding and physical activity. It offers a haven from the digital world, promoting face-to-face interactions. In a comfortable outdoor space, you can immerse yourself in the outdoors, enhancing your creativity and cognitive development. It also provides a stress-relief sanctuary, which can aid in your mental health as well as give you a direct connection to nature.

Since the Carmody family kids are starting to outgrow their backyard playset, Jennifer Bertrand and the Military Makeover team decided to revamp it. They did this by transforming their outdoor area into a haven of fun and relaxation. The centerpiece of this transformation is a cozy firepit and sitting area where the family can gather, share stories, and create lasting memories.

That's not all though. The Carmody backyard oasis also now includes a cornhole set, providing not only the family with a fun and engaging activity but also an entertaining game for friends and visitors to enjoy when they come to the Carmody residence. This addition not only promotes friendly competition but also fosters a sense of community and togetherness.

Beyond the immediate benefits of relaxation and entertainment, the Carmody family’s new backyard serves as a place where they can escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, listen to the trees swaying, watch the stars at night, and have meaningful conversations with one another. These experiences are invaluable for families, helping them appreciate the world around them and encouraging closer relationships.

In the recent season of , where the Carmody Family was featured, the spotlight turned to GE Aerospace for a few instances, showcasing its exceptional contributions to military technology and its unwavering support for veterans. As Military Makeover celebrates its 35th season, GE Aerospace stepped in as the title sponsor of this transformative show and demonstrated its commitment not only to advancing military innovation but also to giving back to the community.

Located in Lynn, Massachusetts, this GE Aerospace site is steeped in history, dating back to World War II when the company produced the very first jet engine in the United States. Today, this facility continues to play a pivotal role in national defense, producing military content for helicopters, advanced fighter jets, and even navy surface ships. With a sprawling one-million-square-foot facility and a dedicated workforce of 2,500 people, the Lynn GE Aerospace site is a cornerstone of American military technology.

Amy Gowder, CEO and President of Defense and Systems at GE Aerospace, welcomed Art Edmonds from MilitaryMakeover to the facility. As she was speaking with Art, she emphasized the company’s purpose, stating, "Our mission here at GE Aerospace is to invent the future of flight. We lift people up, and we bring them home safely." This mission is underpinned by a deep understanding of the challenges veterans face, both on deployment and when they return home.

The company’s dedication to uplifting our national heroes was definitely exemplified during the latest MilitaryMakeover episode. The Carmody family lives and breathes the military lifestyle, so they were beyond the moon to welcome GE Aerospace for their special makeover.

GE Aerospace did more than just provide financial support. The company sent an army of volunteers, proudly sporting the GE Aerospace logo, to get their hands dirty and boots on the ground during the latest season of MilitaryMakeover .

Their commitment to giving back is deeply ingrained in the company culture. In fact, GE Aerospace tracks thousands of volunteer hours annually, reflecting its dedication to the communities in which its employees work and live.

How GE Aerospace Shows Up for Veterans

GE Aerospace is an active participant in various community service events through the GE Veteran’s Network (GEVN). This international employee resource group spans multiple countries with more than 30 sites across the globe. Its mission is to help veterans and their families get hired into GE, support their career growth within the company, and continue contributing to their communities.

GEVN's three pillars - HIRE, GROW, and SUPPORT - embody these goals. The organization assists in recruiting quality military members, offers support for veterans' career growth, and coordinates and sponsors veteran-related community service events around the country. Folds of Honor and the Green Beret Foundation are two of the many organizations that the GEVN sponsors.

GE Veteran’s Network is Serious About Their Mission

Truly, the Carmody family is only one of the many examples where GE Aerospace shows up for U.S. veterans. Its passion for giving back to the military is present in a few unique programs.

GE Aerospace is a Department of Defense Skillbridge certified employer. The Skillbridge program enables transitioning military personnel to gain civilian work experience at companies for up to 180 days leading into their separation from active duty. Since GE Aerospace became a certified Skillbridge employer, over 80% of the participants placed as interns at GE Aerospace through the Skillbridge program have placed in full time roles there. GE Aerospace currently has 27 Skillbridge interns. In addition, the company actively participates in the GE Troop Care Package Drive. This annual drive delivers care packages to deployed GE employees, their family members, and friends serving around the world. GE employees can donate easily through Amazon and Kroger websites, volunteer to pack and label the boxes for shipment, or promote it to support those on deployment.

There is no denying that GE Aerospace is committed to lifting up our military and veteran communities.

GE Aerospace's unwavering commitment to military innovation and veterans' welfare shines brightly. As the title sponsor of Military Makeover , the company not only showcases cutting-edge technology but also exemplifies the true spirit of giving back to those who have served our country.

DEDICATED PARTNERS

COMMUNITY PARNTERS

General Contractor

Delarosa Construction & Design Corp.

Indoors

Dupont

Douglass Appliance

Italmarble

Dipietro Heating and Cooling

GA Home Improvements

Latitude Home Improvements

Outdoors

DiLisio Bro’s Landscape and Masonry Supply

Kris Stansbury

Throne Depot

A.K. McKay

GAF

Electrician

GA Home Improvements

Cleaners

Reddy Family

Stacey’s Cleaning

Service

Movers and Storage

King Affordable Movers

Clocktower SelfStorage

Paint

Latitude Home Improvements

Behr

A.Barr Seal Coat

Joey Graziano, Mural

Artist

Photography

Steven Grant

Photography