The Bowman Family
Born in Raleigh, North Carolina, Jared Bowman, 35, has led his life through immense resilience, dedication, and unwavering service to his country and family.
His story begins at North Carolina State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in psychology in 2009. In August 2014, he married his wife, Sydney Bowman, and they made their home in Statesville, North Carolina. Their family expanded with the arrival of four daughters: Donna (7), Lucy (5), Anne (3), and Evelynne (2).
Interested in becoming a soldier from an early age, Bowman made a choice to join the North Carolina National Guard in 2016. This decision was driven by a deep sense of duty and service, which has always been a part of him. Bowman began his military journey at Fort Jackson in South Carolina for basic training and was quickly recognized for his leadership abilities. Later that year, he attended Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Fort Huachuca to become a Geospatial Imagery Intelligence Analyst. In both training sessions, he was recognized as the Student First Sergeant.
However, a pivotal moment in Bowman’s narrative unfolded in June 2022 during a training jump with his airborne unit. A traumatic incident resulted in a severe back injury – where he broke his T - 12 and L - 1 vertebrae – marking the beginning of a challenging path to recovery. But this didn’t stop him from continuing his National Guard service. A month later, in July 2022, Bowman was promoted to Staff Sergeant and returned to D Co. 236th BEB as the GEOINT Section Sergeant.
To date, Bowman’s military accolades include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NonCommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M Device, and the esteemed German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge.
In his civilian life, he plays a significant role in Bowman Financial Solutions, his family's financial services firm, a responsibility he's held since 2012. Together with his wife, Bowman is also actively engaged in their local church community, contributing through teaching roles and pastoral visits to congregants unable to attend services.
Beyond his military and professional pursuits, Jared finds fulfillment in marksmanship, firearm craftsmanship, and hunting in North Carolina's Piedmont region. He actively participates in the F3 men's fitness group and passionately engages in the study of theology, nurturing his intellectual interests.
Military Makeover with Montel® is honored to have the Bowman Family as the recipients of this season’s makeover. With the help of our generous partners, we will be able to embark on this home transformation for yet another deserving military family.
We invite you to look through this Style Guide and watch the Bowman Family season to see how we transformed their home with the help of our generous partners.
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.
Montel Williams
Art Edmonds
Wealwayspicka greatanddeserving familyandthatisno differentwhenit cametothe Bowmans.Wewere notgoingtolet anythingstopus fromthismakeover, noteventhechilly NorthCarolina weather.”
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 include three seasons on the Nat Geo Wild top-rated series Swamp Men, docudrama series Planet Xtreme on The Weather Channel and two seasons on the Nat Geo Wild series Dr. K’s Exotic Animal ER.
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This is one of the best makeovers we have ever had, and we couldn’t waittogivethe Bowmans everythingthey deserved and more.”
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 no-nonsense, 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.
Jennifer Bertrand
The living room was the most puzzling part of the house for Sydney Bowman, and Jennifer Bertrand knew exactly how to help. Leveraging the resources of Quality Home Furniture, Jennifer adeptly reimagined the space, seamlessly integrating Sydney's design preferences rooted in Americana and traditional farmhouse aesthetics. The result was a transformation that not only aligned with Sydney and Jared's vision but also optimized the room's functionality to meet their desires.
The Bowmans held a deep affection for their kitchen, a sentiment Jennifer appreciated and sought to honor in her design approach. She chose to utilize it as the cornerstone of the overall design scheme, introducing nuanced enhancements. This involved integrating state-of-the-art appliances from Midea, incorporating a new table sourced from Quality Home Furnishing, and artfully incorporating curated décor and accessories from Goodwill.
Recognizing the Bowmans' kitchen required minimal attention, Jennifer directed her efforts towards an extensive renovation of their dining room. She revitalized the ambiance by implementing a fresh coat of paint throughout the space, skillfully blending elements of both traditional and contemporary décor to achieve a harmonious synthesis of the old and the new.
From Drill to Thrill: Family Friendly Activities During Home Makeovers
Military Makeover with Montel® does more than renovate homes –it transforms lives. As the crew swoops in to revamp houses for deserving military families, there's a flurry of activity that often requires the family to vacate their residence temporarily. But what happens when kids are in the picture? How do families keep the excitement alive while the makeover magic unfolds?
The Bowmans, Season 37 Military Makeover Recipients, showcased an ingenious approach to keep their children entertained during their home makeover. They whisked their kids off to Rescue Ranch, where they spent the day frolicking among furry and feathered friends, soaking in the joy of the moment while their home underwent its miraculous transformation.
This, of course, is an activity any family can join in. Families undergoing home renovations can draw inspiration from the Bowmans and explore a myriad of engaging activities to make the most of their makeover downtime.
Military families, just like those featured on Military Makeover with Montel, also cherish moments of joy and fun.
Here's a deeper look at family - friendly activities and how it benefits families:
Petting Zoo: Animal - loving families can enjoy interactive encounters that foster empathy, teach responsibility, and provide hands - on learning experiences. Interacting with animals can also reduce stress and anxiety, offering a therapeutic escape during the chaos of home renovations.
From Drill to Thrill: Family Friendly Activities During Home Makeovers
Library: Explore storytelling sessions and educational workshops at the local library. Beyond promoting a love for reading and stimulating young minds, libraries offer a peaceful retreat where families can bond over shared interests and discover new worlds through literature. Try looking at the library schedule before heading over to your nearest library so you can prepare your family to have the best time!
Picnic: Pack a basket and head to the nearest park for outdoor bonding. Enjoying a picnic amidst nature not only encourages family togetherness but also provides opportunities for physical activity and relaxation. Plus, preparing and sharing meals outdoors can strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories.
Museum: Embark on a cultural journey through captivating exhibits. Museums offer entertainment and enlightenment for the whole family, sparking curiosity and inspiring creativity. Exploring art, history, and science together fosters a sense of wonder and appreciation for the world around us.
Arcades: Experience nostalgia and adrenaline with a mix of classic and modern games. Visiting an arcade provides opportunities for friendly competition, teamwork, and problemsolving skills. It's a chance for families to let loose, bond over shared experiences, and create cherished memories. This activity is particularly great for children in their pre - teen and teen years.
Embracing downtime has never felt this good! Whether it's a day at the petting zoo or an afternoon at the museum, make lasting memories while your home undergoes its own remarkable makeover. Of course, once you get back home with your family, make sure to tune in to Military Makeover with Montel® to get inspired for future activities and renovations
Jennifer Bertrand works her design magic in the girls’ bedroom, transforming it into the perfect spot for four girls. She wanted to include a lot of personal, vintage artwork to give the girls a space where they could fully let loose and let their creativity thrive.
Walking into the Master Bedroom, Jennifer could immediately tell Sydney knew her style, and that she could level it up with design. Jennifer wanted to transform the room into a serene space for Sydney and Jared to enjoy after a long day. She incorporated custom-made elements, such as handmade wooden side tables meticulously crafted by a carpenter affiliated with Purple Heart Homes, that she knew the Bowmans would absolutely fall in love with.
Jennifer was particularly thrilled about crafting the Schoolhouse for the Bowmans, anticipating it would become Sydney's cherished highlight of the makeover. Generously supported by funding from Western Governors University, Jennifer seamlessly integrated this educational space, intricately aligned with the concept of homeschooling. Sydney's emotional response upon first laying eyes on the Schoolhouse, shedding tears of joy, poignantly illustrated its profound significance within the Bowman family, underscoring its monumental impact.
Jennifer orchestrated a comprehensive backyard transformation for the Bowmans, seamlessly integrating a charming schoolhouse amidst the landscape. Simultaneously, she meticulously cleaned and revitalized the garden, breathing new life into its flourishing greenery. Additionally, Jennifer enhanced the ambiance by refreshing the deck, creating a welcoming outdoor space for the Bowman family to enjoy leisurely gatherings and alfresco activities.
Meet Purple Heart Homes, the Official Title Nonprofit Sponsor of Military Makeover
In a heartwarming alliance that spans over a decade, Purple Heart Homes (PHH) currently stands as the official nonprofit partner of Military Makeover with Montel®, the acclaimed and award-winning home renovation show dedicated to giving back to deserving military families.
The roots of this partnership trace back to Purple Heart Homes appearance on a sister show, Designing Spaces, where they lent a helping hand to a deserving veteran from Iraq. From there, Purple Heart Homes acquired a home from Bank of America and embarked on a journey of transforming lives. Maintaining a close relationship with BrandStar, the parent company of Military Makeover, Purple Heart Homes has played a pivotal role in the show's mission.
In the spotlight of Military Makeover's 37th season is the Bowman Family, a deserving military household chosen for a life-changing home renovation. And Purple Heart Homes’ commitment to veterans is as present as ever in this season.
True to form, Purple Heart Homes went above and beyond for this military family. From donating essential items such as side tables and quilts to orchestrating impactful transformations like bathroom remodels and smoker grill installations, Purple Heart Homes exemplified the true meaning of community support. But the impact went beyond renovations. They even helped Military Makeover work with Joshua Ray Hudson to perform the song, “That’s Why We Stand,” for the Big Reveal. It’s evident that their dedication to veterans knows no limit.
Founded in 2008 by Veterans John Gallina and the late Dale Beatty, Purple Heart Homes blossomed from humble beginnings in Statesville, North Carolina, into a national force for veteran housing. With over $43 million invested in over 1,200 projects across 47 states, including Puerto Rico, Purple Heart Homes leaves no stone unturned in its mission to support veterans of all eras. From homeless shelters to transitional housing, Purple Heart Homes provides peace of mind and a higher quality of life for those who have served our country.
The collaboration between Purple Heart Homes and Military Makeover allows the nation to understand the critical housing needs of our veterans. Yet, it also gives everyone the opportunity to witness veterans being praised for their sacrifice and love for our country.
So, today, we salute this partnership. May we all continue to witness the enduring legacy of Purple Heart Homes.
OFFICIAL NON PROFIT PARTNER
DEDICATED PARTNERS
Contractors
Armando Manzano Construction
Driver’s Custom Homes
J & K Privette Masonry
T.G.A. Renovations & Construction
Furnishing
Ashley Furniture
Carolina
COMMUNITY PARNTERS
Outdoors
Sheds Near Me
Goodwill Industries of Northwest North
Quality Home Furnishings
Indoors
49ers Concepts LLC
Hughes Plumbing and Pumps
Iredell Insulation Services
JP’s Plumbing and Heating
KM Electrical Heating and AC
LA Painting and Drywall
Midea American Corp.
Newell
Top Notch Tops
Outdoors
Ashville Fence Contracting
Bennet Buildings
C&S Power Washing
Carolinas Fencing Association
Easter Fence
Eastern Wholesale
Fence Builders
FRF Fencing
G&G Forest Products
Hurricane Fence Company
IKO
JJ Home Renovations
Mid Atlantic Entry Systems
Performance IKO Dynasty Shingles
Sakrete
SRS Building Products
Sun Seekers
Tim Johnson Landscaping
Trex Fencing
Statesville Partners
Café 220
Charlotte Hornets
City of Statesville
Courtyard by Marriott Statesville
Habitat for Humanity Restore
Statesville
Lowes Home Improvement Statesville
NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
Statesville Chamber of Commerce
Statesville City Council
Statesville Convention & Visitors
Bureau
Services
A Greener Clean LLC
Beth & Company
Diamond Hill Storage
Eagle Rentals
Gallina Enterprises, LLC
Gatherings Catering
HunkaJunk Hauling
Jordan Grant and Associates
Nichols Masonry & Property
Maintenance
Reeves Auto Transport
Republic Services
Rescue Ranch
Sam A. Byers & Sons
Smith Phillips
So Much Fun!
Troops Haul Junk
