Local hero’s home gets a much needed makeover

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla.- A veteran’s home is getting a complete makeover! WINK News was there as the disabled Air force pilot’s home was transformed into his “dream house.”

“I’m so appreciative.”

A new chapter is beginning for 91-year-old Air force pilot Melvin McClain and his wife.

“It looks good, I’m sure we will be a lot happier,” said McClain.

The couple has been married for almost 73 years and the place they have called home for 40 years is getting a much needed makeover.

“I’m just amazed at how things have changed,” said his wife Mildred.

The Home Depot, the American Legion of Bonita Springs and the community teamed up to make the McClain’s home safer. The Home Depot Foundation put aside $80 million to spend over the next five years to help repair and maintain homes for service members. The McClain’s got $10,000.

“They feel like they are a member of our store and we feel like they are a member of our family now,” said Diane Gannon with Home Depot.

McClain was a contractor in Bonita Spring for 50 years. His many trips to Home Depot sparked a special 23-year friendship with Diane Gannon.

“I asked Mac if he needed some assistance and he said yes, at his home,” said Gannon.

Now an army of volunteers are making this possible. McClain shared pictures with WINK News during the time he flew B 24 bombers during World War II.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!”

“Mac not only served in the military, he lost his only son in the Vietnam War,” Gannon told WINK News.

The McClains’ new home will make life easier and safer for the both of them.

“It will take a lot of stress off things we couldn’t have otherwise.”

“I really thank everybody that came to help.”

This is phase two of renovations for the home. The first phase was done over the summer. The house will be completely finished on Saturday.