No one has the ability to tell it like it is quite like former Dirty Jobs host Mike Rowe. He never shies away from speaking out—rather humorously—especially it relates to hard work, and with his new Facebook series Returning the Favor, he is on a mission to highlight ordinary Americans who are doing extraordinary things.
https://www.facebook.com/ReturningTheFavor/videos/1940918896179371/
“The goal is pretty simple: introduce America to regular people who are doing something nice,” Rowe said in a trailer for the new show. “It’s a completely transparent look at the neighbors you wish you had. [We are] searching America for better-than-average citizens and the returning the favor.”
Rowe released the first episode earlier this week, and the inspiring 20-minute look into the incredible work of former Army engineer Jason Zaidement has already racked up some four million views.
https://www.facebook.com/ReturningTheFavor/videos/1942086476062613/
Zaidement founded Operation Combat Bikesaver in Cedar Lake, Indiana after he watched his father, a Vietnam War vet, struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder. His mission is to help his fellow veterans deal with mental, physical, and emotional issues that arise post-deployment via a therapeutic bike building program.
“I saw a problem and I wanted to do something about it,” Zaidement said. “That’s what we do. We do something about it.”
While Zaidement thought Rowe and his team were in town to profile his shop, Rowe, recognizing the incredible work the vet is doing to improve the lives of those who were willing to risk their own for ours, was really there to return the favor. He surprised Zaidement with new equipment and a fresh coat of paint for the shop, while also covering one year’s rent. Additionally, The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association presented the shop with $17,500.
Episode two, featuring a young man named Donovan in Albuquerque, New Mexico who used to be homeless but is now making soap for the homeless community is equally heartwarming.
https://www.facebook.com/ReturningTheFavor/videos/1941259262812001/
With all that is going on in the world right now, it is nice to be reminded that there is still so much good being done. It is safe to say Rowe has another hit on his hands.
Check out the Returning The Favor Facebook page, where upcoming episodes will be available HERE.