When Maria Reed’s husband retired from the Army this year, and her son Patrick became the fourth generation in the family to serve, she knew she wasn’t done serving the military community herself. As the creator of “Moving With the Military,” Reed has spent nearly a decade transforming homes–and lives of military families–one room at a time.
“I knew nothing about the military when I married into it,” Reed admits. “I think that’s why I do what I do now–I want to mentor young military families and support them through the journey.”
The idea for “Moving With the Military” came in 2016 after a frustrating experience moving into so-called “vintage” housing on Fort Hood.
“They called it vintage, but it was really just mismatched, multi-colored linoleum floors and all,” she laughed. “We were well into our military career at this point, and I thought, ‘I know we can make this better’.”
Inspired by HGTV and other home makeover shows, Reed pitched a series idea to major networks–but was told there wasn’t enough interest.
“They said a Veterans Day special featuring a military family was enough. That was a blow.”
It was her high school students who gave her the push to go rogue. As a video production teacher in Temple, Texas, she often encouraged them to use their phones and shoot and edit their own content.
“They turned the advice back on me. ‘You know how to edit, Mrs. Reed. You have YouTube–why don’t you do it yourself?’ They were right.”
So she did. WIth her background in TV production and her family’s life savings, Reed launched the first episode of “Moving With the Military.”
“While my husband was deployed, in true military fashion!” she exclaimed. “We honored a local family here in the Fort Hood area, and then we just kept going.”
Eight years later, the show has completed 89 makeovers–more than most major network home makeover shows in the same span.
“We’re scrappy. We stretch every dollar, but more importantly, we build community,” Reed said.
Military families are nominated from all over the country, but the impact goes far beyond paint, furniture, and decor.
“Every single family has said the same thing: ‘Thank you for the beautiful space, but more than anything, thank you for seeing us.’ That’s what this is really about–being seen, supported, and reminded that you’re not alone.”
Each makeover sparks a ripple effect. Past recipients often return to volunteer and help with the next project.
“It’s how the community builds itself,” Reed added.
And “Moving With the Military” isn’t just for Army families. Reed and her team makeover homes across all branches.
“It doesn’t matter what uniform your spouse wears–we’re all part of that 1%. That shared experience connects us.”
Now a “military mom” with her son serving, Reed says her mission hasn’t changed.
“I don’t think your military story ever really ends. It’s part of how we’re wired–not just the service member, but the whole family. We continue serving in different ways. This is mine.”
With thousands of nominations and growing support, “Moving With the Military” is showing no signs of slowing down.
“We’re going to keep going–one makeover at a time. Because every family deserves to feel at home, even when home keeps moving.”
