Letter from Eric Shryer regarding the “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” experience:

Having a business in the Springfield, Mo area for so many years and being supported by many great customers and businesses we are always looking for opportunities to give back to our community. When we received a call from the ABC's “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” that we were picked to help a local family, we of course jumped at the idea that we could be involved in something wonderful. It wasn't just that we could help, but being in the mix of all the organization that happens, the camaraderie among other tradesman's and yes maybe a little star struck by celebrities. Once we heard the Hampton's story it was clear that they had a special need for help and that they were only getting back a measure of what they had given many other times to others.

Working on a project like this involved many challenges for all the crews and volunteers. You pretty much drop any other scheduled work you had and remain patient and understanding for the entire week of construction. We met with the builder, the “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” design team and laid out a plan for not only how the porch would look but also the materials that were going to be used.

Our first workday was to be on Friday evening around 6pm, we actually didn't install the porch until the following Sunday morning at 5am. The construction of a porch during sunrise was a first for us. It was a wonderful experience to be with hundreds of other volunteers working under the lights.

My crew of Jake Moore, Brad Shryer and I have 20 years of combined experience in screening windows and doors and in the installation of screened porches. Working together and donating your time in a project like this one is not only fun but very rewarding. When there are so many crews working side by side and sometimes on top of each other you are amazed that things get done at all, much less on time. We had to help move another crew and their tools when we showed up to work and then in the middle of our job we had to stop to move our equipment when 50 volunteers' show up to lay sod.

There are others to thank for their contributions to the screened porch project as well. The porch was constructed of painted extruded aluminum framing and one screen door. The screen cloth was not only chosen for its strength but also for its great visibility. We appreciate all the help with materials we received. Metals USA donated the aluminum framing. Covina Screen Company provided the screen clothe and Midwest Window and Door donated the door. The approximate value of all donated materials and labor was just under $3000.00.

When you see the tears of the Hampton's as their house was revealed to them…that's was enough thanks for us. Would we do it again...in a heart beat.

I want to thank my crew of Jake and Brad for their labor and time they gave to this project. They are two excellent installers who asked for nothing in return.

From everyone in the Screenmobile organization, we want to wish nothing but the best for the Hampton's and their beautiful new home!

Eric Shryer
The Screenmobile of Springfield, Mo Inc