AUGUSTA — The Travis Mills Foundation has purchased the historic Maine Chance Lodge previously owned by cosmetics pioneer, Elizabeth Arden. The lodge, located in Rome, Maine, will become a retreat for combat wounded, disabled veterans and their families.

Built in 1929, the property was once part of Arden's estate spanning over 1,200 acres and employed hundreds during the height of the Depression. The lodge served as Ms. Arden's private home and as the Nation's first elite spa serving celebrities such as actress Ava Gardner, entertainer Judy Garland, author Edna Ferber, and former first lady Mamie Eisenhower.

The property is a well-known landmark in central Maine, once employing generations of Mainers and providing a bit of glitz and glamour to the area with its serene setting atop a hillside overlooking pristine Long Pond, according to a news release.

This future veteran retreat is the vision of retired U.S. Army SSG Travis Mills, 82nd Airborne, who was critically wounded in 2012 while serving his country on his third tour of duty in Afghanistan. Travis is one of only five quadruple amputees from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to survive his injuries.

Fundraising efforts have begun in earnest to renovate this homestead. Upon completion of extensive rehabilitation, the property will become the nation's first fully-accessible, "smart home" facility dedicated to serving the recreational and reintegration needs of combat-wounded veteran families, according to the news release.

The retreat will fill a vital role in the recovery, camaraderie, spousal support, reconnection, and relaxation for our military heroes - a true and lasting symbol of a grateful nation.

For more information or to make a tax-deductible donation, visit www.travismills.org.

The Travis Mills Foundation is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization formed to benefit and assist disabled veterans and their families. EIN: 46-4239670 Local Address: 89 Water Street Hallowell, 04347.