On Valentine’s Day 2018, U.S. Navy veteran Chris Hixon was gunned down at a Parkland, Florida high school, while shielding students from a barrage of bullets during a shooting rampage that killed 17 people.

Onlookers that tragic day say Hixon’s heroism saved lives. Two years later, as a tribute to Hixon’s unselfish bravery, the aging home he shared with his wife Debi for 28 years has been transformed by reality television program Military Makeover with Montel and its longtime sponsor Goodman Manufacturing Company, L.P., along with support from local, independent HVAC dealer Pride Air Conditioning & Appliance.

Caring for her son Corey, a special-needs young man, Debi Hixon is now finding some solace in a reborn home cooled by a donated Goodman indoor comfort system, as Florida’s hot summer approaches. To help the single mom, Goodman provided a high-performing HVAC system engineered to lower utility bills, featuring ComfortBridgeä technology that constantly monitors and adjusts performance inside Hixon’s home. Beyond the heating and cooling system components, Pride Air installed several Indoor Air Essentials components and upgraded the ductwork in numerous rooms.

“Honoring and supporting military veterans and their families is one of Goodman’s essential missions,” explains Nathan Walker, SVP, CEO Staff for Goodman.

HVAC installation was donated by Howard Pearl, the second-generation owner of Pride Air, serving North Miami to West Palm Beach, Florida. “Enhancing the indoor comfort for our community is a core value at Pride Air,” says Howard Pearl, President of the company. “This installation was especially important given the fact that Chris Hixon was not just a military veteran, but also a hero.”

Presented by decorated U.S. Naval officer Montel Williams and co-hosted by Art Edmonds, Military Makeover with Montel is a unique home improvement series that helps those who served our country by renewing their homes. Goodman has sponsored Military Makeover since 2016, with installation provided by Goodman’s local independent HVAC dealers.

The top-to-bottom renovation of the Hixon’s 1950’s Hollywood, Florida home is, according to Military Makeover, one of the most intense renovation efforts undertaken by the show.

Chris Hixon, 49, the athletic director and wrestling coach at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, ran unarmed on February 14, 2018 toward a blazing AR-15 wielded by former student shooting unarmed students and faculty members. The unselfish act surprised no one who knew Chris – who once volunteered to coach five teams simultaneously without supplemental pay, a commitment keeping him at the high school until 9 p.m. most nights.

A veteran of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Hixon’s military service awards include three Navy Achievement Medals, Good Conduct Medal, Navy Reserve Meritorious Service Medal and Navy Reserve Medal. The Hixon’s oldest son Thomas serves as a U.S. Marine Reserve officer, following his dad’s footsteps.

“Chris was an extraordinary person living an ordinary life,” says Debi.

Military Makeover with Montel episodes air in North America at 7:30 a.m. EST/PST on Lifetime Network, and internationally on Armed Forces Network.

For more about Goodman, visit www.goodmanmfg.com.

About Goodman

A member of the DAIKIN group, Houston-based Goodman Global, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of heating, ventilation and air conditioning products for residential and light commercial use. Goodman^â brand products are predominantly sold through company-operated and independent distribution networks, with more than 1,000 total distribution points throughout North America. For more information, visit www.goodmanmfg.com.