On Veterans Day, there are many ways to thank those who served and fought for us. For roofing contractors, it is providing the basic need of shelter.

Roofing contractors around the country have expressed their gratitude by reaching out and donating labor, materials and time to give deserving veterans a much-needed roof. Whether it’s through their own programs or national roof deployment initiatives, roofers have shown they care for their veteran neighbors and their well-being.

Below are just a few recent examples of roofing contractors showing veterans they are appreciated. See what they had to say about why they love giving back to members of the military:

Owens Corning Projects

Started in 2016, the Owens Corning National Roof Deployment Project has helped more than 140 military members receive a new roof. The program works by having Owens Corning Roofing Platinum Contractors work in partnership with Habitat for Humanity to select veterans in their local communities. A few of the projects from this year include:

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Marine veteran David Walker in New Mexico received a free roof through the work of Whitlock Enterprises.

“We are proud to give back to Mr. Walker for the sacrifices he has made for our country,” said Greg LaVoie, owner of Whitlock Enterprises. Source.

MCCULLOM LAKE, Ill. — D-Wing Construction provided a roof to former Marine Marty Lenzen, a Vietnam War veteran and volunteer with Habitat for Humanity.

"This build in particular is a special one because it gives us a chance to honor Mr. Lenzen and make an immediate, long-lasting impact on his life," said D-Wing Construction Owner and President Dave Mirra said in a written statement. Source.

TAMPA, Fla. — Kim Pettit, a disabled Air Force veteran, didn’t know what to do when a tree limb fell onto her home. Thankfully, Done Rite Roofing came to the rescue and repaired the roof.

“It’s a big deal. It’s very costly. I don’t think people anticipate the cost of an entire roof," said Done Rite Roofing's Colleen Cotromano. Source.

COCOA, Fla. — Mikey Riedl, a Navy veteran who works as a counselor for a local helpline service for veterans, received a new roof thanks to Total Home Roofing.

“Mr. Riedl has a long history of putting others first and making sacrifices for the greater good of our country,” said Dan Reed, president for Total Home Roofing. “We are honored to be a part of the Roof Deployment Project, give back to Mr. Riedl, and demonstrate how much our community appreciates his service.” Source.

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — Army veteran Rodney Rego was provided with a brand new roof through the efforts of Moriarty’s Roofing.

“We are honored to be included in such a heartwarming project for someone as deserving as Mr. Rego,” said Aaron Pol, operations manager for Moriarty’s Roofing. “Mr. Rego sacrificed so much for our country and this is our way of saying thank you for all that he has done.” Source.

Roofers Giving Back to Veterans

Roofing contractors show their patriotism by giving generously each year, not just around Veterans Day. Here are some recent highlights from 2019:

PETALIMA, Calif. — Wedge Roofing stepped up to cover the cost, materials and labor to replace the roof of the “Rocca House,” a building run by the Veterans Resource Centers of America to provide shelter for previously homeless veterans navigating a life in recovery.

“We always look for opportunities to give back to the community,” said Wedge Roofing CEO Ralph Wedge. “This was perfect. Not only does it help the community but it helps the veterans or any other person that may be homeless.” Source.

FARGO, N.D. — Fargo Roofing & Siding helped local Air Force veteran Jon Lamar by re-shingling his entire roof at no cost. The project took six hours and would normally cost around $10,000 to $12,000. Lemar was practically speechless in the face of this generosity.

“It’s just overwhelming, [I] really don't have the words to thank Fargo Roofing for this opportunity,” Lemar said. “It's just amazing.” Source.

FARMERS RANCH, Texas — Lon Smith Roofing presented Navy veteran James Smith with a new roof. Smith was chosen as part of the company’s “Roof for Vets” program, which provides a roof to a veteran on a quarterly basis. Lon Smith Executive Scott Hamilton said a storm had damaged Smith’s roof.

“We install a brand-new roof at no charge to the veteran.  It's our way of saying, 'Thank you for your service,’ Hamilton said. “It’s the least we can do after all you’ve done for us.” Source.

PERRY HALL, Md. — Superior Design & Restoration recently began a “Cover a Vet” program to provide veterans with roofs free of charge. The first installment of the program gave a roof to Stacia Evans, a hospital corpsman with the Navy for nine-and-a-half years.

“The business has done really well, and we’ve always felt the need to give back to the community,” said Superior Design & Restoration Owner Keith Randlett. “We’re patriots, not just myself but our entire team. We feel strongly about the service men and women in our country. We’d like to just give something back to them in some small way.” Source.

LUFKIN, Texas — All Seasons Roofing provides much-needed roofs to community members in need though its “Shingles for Shelter” charity. This year, Oliver Harris Jr., a Vietnam veteran, had his roof restored through the charity, repairing damages caused by Hurricane Ike.

“People don’t have the insurance to cover this and then they might have missed their opportunities right after the storm, and not everybody has $3,000 sitting around to take care of a roof,” said Bob Bowman, All Seasons Roofing owner. Source.