This month, I’m proud to use this space to celebrate the 2025 New York Sash Shower for a Soldier recipient, United States Army Veteran Sergeant James Dawes of Madison, NY.
James served our country for 25 years in the United States Army. He completed three tours of duty, two in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. Even after returning home from active duty in 2014 his commitment to service didn’t stop. He continued serving for another 11 years in the Army Reserve.
In his hometown, James has remained deeply involved with the American Legion, where he served as Post Commander and continues to support fellow veterans and the local community.
Like many veterans, the cost of service can follow someone long after they return home. James lives with PTSD stemming from his time in Iraq and Afghanistan. Recently, he also faced a serious health challenge, undergoing surgery on his face due to skin cancer. Alongside those physical challenges came the emotional toll of losing close family members.
In the midst of everything life brought his way, something as simple as a comfortable and functional shower became difficult. His home had two showers, but only one was usable, and it wasn’t ideal for comfort or recovery.
That’s wherethe New York Sash Shower for a Soldier program comes in.
Started in 2020 by New York Sash owner Scot Hayes, the goal of Shower for a Soldier is to improve the quality of life for a local veteran facing hardships that make everyday routines like bathing difficult. Each year a deserving veteran receives a complete bath makeover thanks to New York Sash and its manufacturing partner, Bath Concepts, Inc.
James was nominated by his fiance, Carlee, who shared just how meaningful this upgrade would be.
“The shower area serves as a source of self-care for James, a place where he can wash the bad day away, scrub the sickness away, decompress and find some peace,” she wrote in her nomination.
This year, that wish became reality.
The New York Sash team recently completed the Dawes bathroom transformation, creating a space designed for comfort, accessibility, and relaxation. The new bath provides a safer and more functional environment while also offering a place where James can unwind and focus on healing.
Shortly after the installation was completed, Carlee shared a heartfelt message that perfectly captured what the project meant to them.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you so much for this opportunity. The tub is so beautiful and just perfect… Pat [our installer] did an amazing job. Your whole team was nothing but wonderful and I still can’t believe this is all real and it really happened. This has been a godsend in so many ways.”
She also shared that the project inspired them to tackle other improvements around the house and finish projects that had been put off during a difficult time.
At New York Sash, serving the community has always been part of who we are. Shower for a Soldier is just one way we honor local veterans and give back to those who have given so much for our country.
James’ story reflects the quiet strength, resilience, and dedication seen in so many veterans across Central New York. It was an honor for the New York Sash team to complete this project and give back in a meaningful way.
Nominations for our 2026 New York Sash Shower for a Soldier Bath Makeover Giveaway are now open. Visit newyorksash.com/soldier to nominate a deserving veteran today.
