Toby Keith Guest Stars Tonight on Extreme Makeover Home Edition

Toby Keith Guest Stars Tonight on Extreme Makeover Home Edition 3/2/08

MARCH 2

"EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION" GIVES AN IRAQI SOLDIER AND HIS FAMILY A SAFE HOME AND A PLACE WHERE THEY CAN DEVOTE THEMSELVES TO PRESERVING VIRGINIA HISTORY

Country Singer Toby Keith Performs for the Family The Lucas family of Cullen, VA were happy to receive the news that Ty and the designers will be building them a dream home in a remarkable seven days, on "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," SUNDAY, MARCH 2 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

Editors note: This episode replaces "Turner Family" which moves to 3/9.

Michael Lucas (37) of Cullen, VA is currently serving in the National Guard overseas in Iraq. He has a deep passion and appreciation for his historically rich home state of Virginia and has spent much of his life assisting in the preservation of Virginia's historical battlefields and historical landmarks. Michael and his wife, Jean (33), have two children, Michael Henry (11) and Joseph Nathan (7) -- who has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Jean, who studies ancestry and genealogy research, works with Joseph's therapist by writing grant proposals in the hope of opening a Sensory Playground Facility for autistic children.

Less than a year ago, Michael and his family bought a piece of land located on one of the most famous battlefields of the Civil War. Unfortunately, before Michael could finish building a home for his family, he was deployed oversees to Iraq. Troubled by his unfinished home, he worries constantly for his family. He also dreams of one day opening a public museum to showcase Virginia's notable history. Michael already has an extensive collection of historical artifacts, photos, letters, clothing and pistols from the region, and would love to put them on display. He is also currently writing a book about the Battle of High Bridge, which took place on the land he recently purchased his family's home.

The Lucas family needs the help of "EMHE" to not only build them a safe home but also provide Michael a place to preserve the Virginia culture he loves so much. While Ty and the designers, local builder Ken Broadwater Homes and hundreds of volunteers and workers are rebuilding their home, the Lucas family will go on vacation to Walt Disney World. In addition, Country superstar Toby Keith will stop by and perform "American Soldier" for the family and the Virginia National Guard at the Virginia National Guard Farmville Armory in Farmville, VA.

The design team for this episode of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" will feature team leader Ty Pennington and designers Michael Moloney, Paul DiMeo, Rib Hillis and guest designer Phyllis Bowie. The series is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. It's executive-produced by Denise Cramsey. David Goldberg is the president of Endemol USA. "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" is broadcast with Spanish subtitles via secondary closed captioning and carries a TV-PG parental guideline.

This episode of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" will be available on ABC.com the day after airing on the network for users to watch online.

Source: ABC Press Release