An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | March 18, 2010

'Extreme Home' for Mississippi Guardsman airs March 21

By (From News Release)

"Heathcock family — Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" travels to Hattiesburg, Miss., 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 led squads in combat missions.

When he is fortunate to spend time at home, Heathcock works several jobs, which leaves little time to repair the devastating damage to their home left by Hurricane Katrina.

On this episode of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," which airs on March 21 on ABC, Ty Pennington and the designers will have the opportunity to give back to this soldier, who has given so much to his country and his community.

Heathcock, 39, and his wife Gina, 40, are working themselves to the bone in order to afford the best education for their children Annie, 12, Gary, 10, and Tessa, 7.

In addition to his work for the Army National Guard, Sherman 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 Gina works part time as a paralegal.

During Sherman'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 Sherman currently serving in Iraq, his wife and kids are worried about losing the battle in their own home.

The Heathcock family will go on vacation to Disney World while "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" team leader Ty Pennington, designers Michael Moloney, John Littlefield, and Paige Hemmis, celebrity volunteer Christian Slater and community volunteers rebuild their home, while Celine Dion and the Jonas Brothers also make special guest appearances.

 

 

Related Articles
Chilean Defense Minister Fernando Barros arrives for the opening ceremony at the Feria Internacional del Aire y del Espacio, or FIDAE, 2026 in Santiago, Chile, April 7, 2026. The event highlighted the enduring 18-year partnership between Texas and Chile through the Department of War National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program and included visits from distinguished visitors. Photo by Staff Sgt. Derek Gutierrez.
Texas Guard, Chile Strengthen Partnership at FIDAE Air and Space Show
By Capt. Nicholas Robles, | April 13, 2026
SANTIAGO, Chile - The Texas Air National Guard joined more than 100 airmen from across the globe to showcase its capabilities April 7-12 at the Feria Internacional del Aire y Espacio, or FIDAE, International Air and Space...

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers compete in the finals during day three of the 2026 Lacerda Cup All-Army Combatives Championship at Fort Benning, Georgia, April 10, 2026. The two Army National Guard teams finished the tournament with third and sixth place team standings out of 21 teams competing, with three National Guard Soldiers earning championship belts. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Shane Smith.
National Guard Claims Three Titles in 2026 Lacerda Cup
By Sgt. 1st Class Shane Smith, | April 13, 2026
FORT BENNING, Ga. – U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers claimed three championship belts and delivered their strongest performance to date at the 2026 Lacerda Cup All-Army Combatives Championships April 10, finishing third...

Six National Guard Ranger-qualified Soldiers will compete for the title of ‘Best Ranger’ at the 42nd annual Lt. Gen. David E. Grange Jr. Best Ranger Competition, April 10-12, at Fort Benning, Georgia. The National Guard is represented by three two-man teams: U.S. Army 1st Lt. Zachary Thompson and Sgt. 1st Class Robert Flora; Capt. Erik Gorman and Capt. Christian Thompson; and 1st Lt. Talan Saylor and Cpl. Brendan Fox. Photos by Patrick Albright.
National Guard Soldiers to Compete in Best Ranger Competition
By Capt. James Mason and Sgt. 1st Class Amber Peck, | April 10, 2026
FORT BENNING, Ga. – Six of the National Guard’s most lethal Ranger-qualified Soldiers will compete for the coveted title of ‘Best Ranger’ at the 42nd annual Lt. Gen. David E. Grange Jr. Best Ranger Competition, April 10-12,...