Total Pro Roofing, of Grayson, Ga., recently replaced a roof for a U.S. military veteran as part of its annual Free Roofs for Troops program.

SPC Charles Mathis served in the U.S. Army during Operation Desert Storm. These conditions meant 140-degree temperatures, chemical attacks, air strikes, artillery raids, loss of life, and enemy prisoners of war that included children under the age of 12. Like many he served alongside, the aftermath of serving in such a hostile environment had a lasting impact on Mathis, who needed a new roof.

Total Pro Roofing started a Free Roofs for Troops program in 2016 to give back to veterans of the U. S. military. It provides free roof replacements for those in need by using a portion of the profits on every paid install. Help is needed to spread the word for future veteran applicants to be aware of this program.

“Total Pro Roofing’s goal is to replace roofs for veterans several times a year and even more frequently as the future allows,” said Owner Jason Carver. “As a private company providing this service, this program is entirely self-funded. Total Pro Roofing is grateful to the customers, the partnership with Active Heroes, a non-profit organization geared towards veteran suicide prevention, and all who have helped put Total Pro Roofing in the position to give back.”

Total Pro Roofing isn't the only one to step up and help veterans with their roofs in the weeks leading up to the Fourth of July. Reports from across the U.S. show just how involved roofers have been in helping veterans. Consider some of the projects:

• Ft. Myers, Fla.-based Crown Roofing and Proquest Cooling System recently teamed up to donate a roof and air conditioner to World War II veteran Ralph Hauser, a 93-year-old U.S. Navy veteran.
• In Machesney Park, Ill., Super Pride Inc., a nonprofit that helps veterans, the Home Depot Foundation, and Cross Country Construction teamed up to replace a roof for a 66-year-old Marine Corps veteran who was reportedly facing eviction for not having a roof up to city code.
• In Middleton, Id., Lafever Roofing of Meridan, Id., along with the Home Depot Foundation, Team Rubicon (a disaster relieve organization), and Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals, replaced the roof of a house owned by Vietnam veteran Charlie Moore, recipient of two Purple Hearts.
• Jackson Electric Membership Corp., Sunrise Roofing & Construction LLC of Auburn, Ga., and ABC Supply Co. of Athens teamed up to provide a new roof for a Vietnam veteran living in Hall County, Ga.

Further, Owens Corning Roofing, through its Roof Deployment Project, has partnered with 12 contractors across the country since May 11 to help veterans in need (a total of 19 since the beginning of the year).

Launched in early 2016,the Roof Deployment Project aims to inspire, activate and match its network of independent Platinum Preferred Contractors with military families around the country to deliver and install a free, new roof. 

Partnering with Support Our Troops, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that specializes in helping Americans strengthen the morale and well-being of their current military service members and their families, Owens Corning’s Roof Deployment Project is designed to show gratitude for our soldiers.

“The Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project aligns perfectly with charitable work that we and our Platinum Contractors are doing every day in communities across the country and beyond,” said Jason Lewinski, leader of Owens Corning Contractor Network. “The relationship we have with our Platinum Contractors is very powerful and unique in this industry. This is just one of many ways we make a positive difference when we work together.”

Projects completed or planned since May 11 have been conducted in places such as Tyler, Texas, South Bend, Ind., Citrus Heights, Calif., Spring Lake, Mich., Port Huron, Mich., Sheridan, Wyo., Austin, Texas, and Leeds, Ala.

Specifics of other projects include:

• Lansing, Mich.-based Palmer Construction and Habitat for Humanity - Capital Region provided a roof for World War II veteran Augie Solid.
• Corpus Christi, Texas-based Texas State Roofing Co. and Purple Heart Homes of Statesville, N.C. teamed up to repair the roof of Vietnam veteran Alfred Shelton, a Corpus Christi resident whose home was hit hard by Hurricane Harvey.
• San Diego, Calif.-based Semper Solaris is working with partners on two projects: one to install a new roof for disabled veteran Carl Schaffrina, a resident of El Cajon, Calif., and another to help veteran Marine Corps sniper Povas Miknaitis. 
• Suwanee, Ga.-based Kaiser Siding & Roofing L.L.C. and Habitat for Humanity of Charlotte provided a new roof for U.S. Army veteran Billy Bradley, a resident of Charlotte, N.C.

"A new roof can be a huge ticket item for our customers, so we understand the importance of giving them peace of mind by providing them with the best work in the business," said Scott and Michael Kaiser, co-owners of Kaiser Siding & Roofing. "That's always been our mission since we started Kaiser Siding & Roofing more than 30 years ago."

Know of any other recent projects that should be on this list? We want to know. Reach out to Roofing Contractor Managing Editor Andrew Dietderich at dietdericha@bnpmedia.com