Evansville, Indiana – A local family of nine received a much‑needed heating and cooling upgrade this week thanks to Brackett Heating, Air & Plumbing’s annual Salutes the Brave program. The company installed a new Daikin Fit furnace and air‑conditioning system in the northside home of disabled veteran Jon Davis Jr., his wife and their seven children.
Veteran’s service and sacrifice
Jon Davis Jr. served eight years in the U.S. Army, deploying to Iraq shortly after learning his wife was pregnant with their first child. He medically retired after sustaining a service‑related disability. “I still wouldn’t change it because serving my country meant something. It meant a lot to me,” Davis said, reflecting on his commitment to the nation.
Family challenges during a hot summer
The Davis household faced a difficult summer trying to keep the home comfortable for a newborn and six older children. With the old system broken, the family struggled to stay cool during the heat and worried about the approaching winter months.
Salutes the Brave program steps in
Neighbors and friends learned of the family’s hardship and nominated them for Brackett’s Salutes the Brave program, now in its third year. “This is the third year, so this will be the third family that we’ve helped. The guys love doing it,” said Brackett Heating owner Jeff Brackett.
The program partners with local businesses to identify veterans in need and provide essential home‑service upgrades. This year’s focus was on heating and cooling, recognizing that a reliable system is a cornerstone of a safe, comfortable home for families who have given so much for the country.
Installation and community impact
Technicians from Brackett Heating arrived early in the week to remove the broken unit and install the new Daikin Fit system. The modern furnace offers higher energy efficiency, while the air‑conditioning component ensures the home stays cool during summer peaks.
“We needed it and our friends and family came through for us. So it was a blessing to say the least,” Davis said after the installation. He thanked the neighbors who nominated his family and the Brackett crew for their swift work.
Looking ahead
Brackett Heating hopes the new system will provide reliable comfort for many years, allowing the Davis family to focus on raising their children without the stress of a failing HVAC unit. The company also plans to continue the Salutes the Brave program, seeking additional veterans who could benefit from similar assistance.
For Evansville residents, the story underscores the power of community collaboration: local businesses, volunteers and neighbors joining forces to honor those who have served. As winter approaches, the Davis family can now look forward to a warm, safe home, a testament to the city’s commitment to caring for its veterans.
Original reporting: 14 News WFIE Evansville (news) — read the source article.
