The company said it was “immediately inspired” by Nicotra’s story of service. Adam Galis, vice president of Burns and Scalo, recognized the urgent state of his roof and said the company was eager to help. 

“We were incredibly honored to give back to Tim since he has sacrificed so much to protect our country,” Galis said in a December 2024 news release.

Just days before last Thanksgiving, a Burns and Scalo install crew gathered at Nicotra’s house in Gibsonia, Pa., to replace the roof and provide him and his family secure shelter for the upcoming winter. 

“When Adam called to let me know I had won, I couldn’t believe it,” Nicotra said. “It still hasn’t 100% hit me.”

Nicotra enlisted in the service after graduating from high school in 1989 and serving aboard the USS Saratoga CV-60, an aircraft carrier. 

He was on the first ship headed to the Red Sea for Operation Desert Shield, the precursor protectorate set up by the U.S. ahead of America’s mission to expel Iraqi troops from Kuwait in what was then known by its mission name, Operation Desert Storm, but is now often referred to as the first Iraq War.

After his deployment, he returned to the States and joined the PA Army Guard, where he worked on AH-1 Cobra helicopters. He then enlisted in the US Navy Reserve and finally joined the PA Air National Guard, where he retired in 2013 after 22 years of service. 

“Our veterans deserve our support, and ensuring Tim and his family have a safe, secure roof over their heads is one way we can show our gratitude,” Galis explained, noting the company’s deep regard for supporting the communities it serves. “This project reflects our core [value] of gratitude.

Nicotra expressed gratitude to the company and the program.  

“My family has been in dire need of a roof replacement for years, and I am so grateful to Burns and Scalo and their willingness to provide a free roof for my family,” Nicotra said.