Veteran Owned GEM Statewide Pluming Comes to Englewood Veteran’s Aid

A local Englewood FL veteran faced months of hardship without hot water, but thanks to GEM Statewide Plumbing, a fellow veteran-owned company, his life has drastically improved. Dan Ervin is a 68-year-old veteran who spent nine months carrying buckets of hot water from the bathroom to the kitchen for cleaning and cooking. The bathroom was the only room in his home with hot water. "You don’t realize how much you take hot water for granted until you don’t have it," said Ervin. Now, with hot water restored throughout his home, Ervin shared how it has transformed his daily life. "We don’t have to plan showers anymore — it just feels like we have our home back," said Ervin.

DAV Chapter 82 Senior-Vice Commander Annamarie Remmel emphasized that many veterans, like Ervin, often live with problems they cannot afford to fix, and the commonality of this issue. "It’s extremely common. Veterans don’t ask for help — even when they really need it. That’s where we step in," said Annemarie.

Public Relations Manager for DAV Chapter 82, Ashley Abbott further explained how pride can often prevent veterans from seeking assistance. "Veterans aren’t the best at asking for help. We make them comfortable so they know it’s OK to ask," said Ashley.

The help for Ervin came from Gem Statewide Plumbing, a company owned by a fellow veteran. "I didn’t know they were veterans, too. That’s why they wanted to help — because they served," said Ervin. For Ervin, this was more than just a repair; it was a reminder of the community's support for its veterans. "I'm just really grateful. It feels like a blessing, like someone finally heard us," said Ervin. Ervin shared that he had not allowed himself to believe this change would happen until the crew arrived that morning. Now, he and his wife have their home restored just in time for Thanksgiving.