DuraLife™ Decking Donates to Travis Mills Foundation Veterans Retreat

Share

DuraLife Decking Donates to Travis Mills Foundation Veterans Retreat

DIY Network’s Maine Cabin Masters Renovates the Lakeside Cabin at the Travis Mills Foundation Veterans Retreat for Amputee-Combat-Injured Veterans and their Families

BIDDEFORD, Maine - May 18, 2017 - DuraLife, a leading manufacturer of durable composite decking and railing, crafted in Biddeford, Maine, announced today it has donated approximately 3,000 square-feet of outdoor decking along with the required hidden fasteners to install it to the Travis Mills Foundation for its Veterans Retreat’s lakeside cabin and outdoor water recreation center. The retreat is a new multi-million-dollar sanctuary for amputee-combat-injured veterans and their families expected to open this summer. The Grey MVP profile DuraLife decking will be installed in May by the stars of DIY Network’s Maine Cabin Masters, who are refurbishing the Belgrade Lakes-region cabin at the retreat as part of their show. The episode of Maine Cabin Masters featuring their work at the Travis Mills Foundation Veterans Retreat will air on the DIY Network later in 2017 or to kick off the show’s second season in 2018 (date to be determined).

“We are thrilled to have the support of DuraLife,” said Foundation President and Founder Travis Mills. “It’s great to see so many Maine companies coming together to help us realize our dream of providing recalibrated veterans and their families a place where they can connect, rest, and relax while enjoying Maine’s beautiful outdoor heritage.”

Integrity Composites, the manufacturer of DuraLife Decking and Railing, Chief Operating Officer Jeffrey True, noted that the project won the hearts of his company for a variety of reasons. “Travis’ story and his vision for the health and well-being of injured veterans and their families is truly inspirational,” said True. “When we heard about this project, we knew we had to get involved and help in whatever way we could to provide this outdoor oasis for these American heroes and their families.”

True continued: “When we spoke to Travis it was clear he wanted a durable and beautiful decking product that wouldn’t require much maintenance and would offer the highest level of safety for his guests. Our decking was a perfect match for his needs, because we craft our products using our unique polypropylene and hardwood composite. The manufacturing process delivers a stiffer, more durable decking board that endures even the most extreme New England weather conditions. Our capped composite design includes built-in resistance to staining, fading, mold, mildew and heat. Plus, the heavily-textured pattern provides better slip resistance even when the surface is wet.”

The Travis Mills Foundation Veterans Retreat is the dream of retired United States Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills, who lost both arms and legs in Afghanistan on April 10, 2012, when he was critically injured by an IED (improvised explosive device). During his 19-month recovery at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, Mills became passionate about engaging with other wounded soldiers and their families. He founded the Travis Mills Foundation in 2013 to return the goodness bestowed upon him and his family during his recovery.  

In 2015, the Foundation purchased the former summer estate of cosmetics pioneer Elizabeth Arden. The original homestead, built in 1929, is situated on Watson Pond Road in the historic Belgrade Lakes region of Maine. The current lodge has lake access across the street where a cabin is being renovated so that attendees can enjoy being on the lake with a completely handicap accessible, world class deck to have cookouts, lobster bakes and fun in the sun, as well as access to a variety of water activities such as swimming, boating and paddling.

For the last two years, Mills and his team have been raising the necessary funds, almost $3 million, to transform the iconic celebrity retreat and grounds into a paradise for amputee combat-injured veterans and their families. Everything about the retreat – including the DuraLifeoutdoor decking – is designed to accommodate all types of wheelchairs, walkers, and other assistive devices. Mills expects to welcome the first group of families on July 2, 2017. Each year, the retreat will accommodate 56 families during seven weeks of summer.

DIY Network’s Maine Cabin Masters – led by builder Chase Morrill, his sister Ashley Morrill-Eldridge and her husband Ryan Eldridge – are renovating the retreat’s lakeside cabin. Maine Cabin Masters first aired in January 2017. The team travels the state of Maine saving and transforming abandoned cabins, camps, and cottages, sometimes in the deep woods. The show airs on the DIY Network on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. EST. 

About DuraLife Decking and Railing

DuraLife™ brand products are manufactured by Integrity Composites, LLC, a leading supplier of composite decking, railing, and dock planks. The company operates a 100,000 square-foot manufacturing and warehouse facility in Biddeford, Maine, and its products are sold throughout the U.S. and internationally. DuraLife decking is available in three profiles, Siesta, MVP and Starter, in the eight most consumer-requested colors: Golden Teak, Garapa Gray, Brazilian Cherry, Tropical Walnut, Pebble, Coastal Grey, Mahogany, and Slate. Siesta and MVP profile boards are available in 12-, 16- and 20-foot lengths; the Starter profile is available in 16-foot lengths. All profiles have a 25-year warranty including staining and fading. A five-year labor allowance is included. For more information or to order a sample visit www.duralifedecking.com.