Montel Williams: A Veteran’s Journey from Service to Service
Montel Williams, a name familiar to many from his days as a television host, has taken on a new mission: transforming the lives of fellow veterans through home renovations. Known for his long-running The Montel Williams Show, Williams has embraced his post-television career by focusing on philanthropy and veteran advocacy.
Before his television fame, Williams was a dedicated serviceman. He made history as the first black Marine to be selected for the Naval Academy Prep School, eventually graduating from the United States Naval Academy. His nearly 22-year military career laid the foundation for his later endeavors. “The military was a really unbelievable foundation for me for everything I’ve done in life,” Williams shared with Military.com.
A New Role on Military Makeover
Williams stepped into a new role about eight years ago, succeeding R. Lee Ermey as host of Military Makeover. The show, airing on Lifetime and the Armed Forces Network, helps renovate homes for veterans, with Williams’ military background offering a comforting presence for the show’s participants.
Williams said, “One of the things about it that is so interesting is the fact that a lot of our veterans that we have selected as recipients for Military Makeover—these guys have a lot of combat experience.” His involvement goes beyond hosting, as he also co-produces the show and conducts heartfelt interviews with the veterans.
Bringing Design to Veterans’ Homes
Joining Williams on the show is designer Jennifer Bertrand, who has been part of the team since almost the beginning. Bertrand, daughter of a U.S. Air Force colonel, brings her personal experiences and design expertise to the table. “I always say it’s worlds colliding because I grew up in a military camp,” she told Military.com.
Bertrand’s approach is deeply personal, involving detailed questionnaires to understand each family’s unique needs and preferences. Her work often involves creative challenges, such as the Hobbitcore theme requested by the Dawson family, featured in the upcoming season.
The Dawson Family’s Journey
The 45th season of Military Makeover will feature the Dawson family from Florida. Matthew Dawson, a former Army sergeant who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, survived a grenade blast that left lasting physical and emotional scars. Despite these challenges, he continues to work and support his family.
Williams reflected on Dawson’s resilience, saying, “He bears the scars, both visceral and invisible.”
Behind the Scenes of Military Makeover
Each episode of Military Makeover is a collaborative effort, involving local communities and volunteers who come together to support the featured families. Bertrand describes the process as “design summer camp,” where diverse groups unite for a common cause.
The upcoming season will begin airing on March 26, with the much-anticipated “big reveal” scheduled for April 23. Williams sees the show as a way to honor veterans beyond words, stating, “We’re showing them that America really does thank them for what they’ve done for us.”
