In December of 2011, Army Staff Sergeant Aaron Hale was severely injured in Afghanistan when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated, leaving him completely blind.
Then, in August of 2015, Hale contracted bacterial meningitis, and the devastating illness left him completely deaf.
But Building Homes for Heroes helped Hale and his family persevere by gifting a mortgage-free house in South Walton, Florida several years ago. And Hale moved forward intent on living life to the fullest.
The former military chef rediscovered his culinary passion and became a social media star with his popular “Cookin’ Without Lookin’” segment. He and his wife McKayla also started their own company called “Extra Ordinary Delights,” specializing in handcrafted fudge and candy.
Lowe’s has always been committed to supporting veterans, and this summer, the company partnered with Building Homes for Heroes to provide the Hales with some home improvements and renovate the always-busy family kitchen.
“In a house with three boys and a really clumsy blind guy, flooring takes a beating. Lowe’s filled the entire house with brand new flooring,” Hale said.
“And not only did they replace all the countertops with quartz, but they extended the overhang a few inches in every direction. We got all the appliances from Lowe’s and many of them have smart features. I can tell my refrigerator to make coffee and I can preheat the oven from my phone.”
To thank Lowe’s, Hale had associates from the Lowe’s of Destin, Florida join him for his latest video, where they learned how to make grilled angel food cake with fruit salsa and homemade whipped cream.
