A safe place to call home

By Jenny Yu.  

Three veterans and a Veteran of Foreign Wars post receive new roofs, free of charge. 

A staple of the community 

90-year-old Shelley Cleaver of Jacksonville, Texas, is a Korean War veteran and a member of the local VFW for decades. For years, Shelley’s roof had issues with deteriorated shingles and frequent leaks.  

“My son put a couple of tarps to try and cover up the holes. The tarps were blue, and my roof was green, so I guess it looked like a sore thumb to everybody driving by,” Shelley told KLTV 7 News.   

Shelley’s friends spoke to Yosemite Roofing to see what could be done. In partnership with QXO, which provided the materials, Yosemite Roofing replaced Shelley’s roof for free.  

“Every single person around the community talks so highly of him. After meeting him, it was an easy decision. The one word that multiple people have used over and over again is how much integrity Mr. Cleaver has,” Josiah Rosebury, owner of Yosemite Roofing, said. “People who sacrifice so much for our country deserve more than just a ‘Thank you.’ They deserve a safe place to call home.” 

A veteran-generational home  

Lone Ranger Roofing, a veteran-owned company, provides free roof replacements for veterans in need through their “Roof-a-Vet" program. This year, Nicholas Rivera, who served with the 82nd Airborne Division during Operation Enduring Freedom, was selected to receive a free roof replacement for his home in Temple, Texas. 

Nicholas’ house has been in his family for over 70 years and was previously owned by his grandfather, who served as a captain in the Temple National Guard. 

"My grandfather would be honored to see this happening to this house that he loved," Nicholas shared with KCEN TV 6. "He was involved in the community as an Elks Club member and did real estate. He really loved this house." 

Julio Rojas, owner of Lone Ranger Roofing and a veteran himself, started the program to give back to fellow veterans. 

"There are so many vets in our community being so close to Fort Cavazos," Julio explained. "This is a way to give back to men and women who have already given so much to this country. I hope other companies with means can step up to the plate and do some volunteer work or donations for any nonprofit or need within the Temple or Bell County community." 

This generosity didn’t just provide a house with a new roof; it also created a new bond. 

"He's a brother," Nicholas expressed. "Brothers and sisters in arms, we have that camaraderie. Beyond this, I hope to have a friendship out of it. He's a great guy." 

A need fulfilled 

Since 2016, Owens Corning has partnered with its Platinum Preferred roofing contractors and charitable organizations such as Habitat for Humanity to provide contractors the opportunity to volunteer their services toward helping a veteran in need. The Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project donates the roofing materials while contractors donate their skills, helping 625 veterans and their families nationwide and counting.  

Veteran William McCrary of Pisgah Forest, North Carolina, was one of this year’s recipients of a brand-new roof.  

“Vets have given a lot to the country and a lot to us as a community. It’s important to be able to support them as there’s a need.” Jimmy Balson, owner of Quantum Roofing, told ABC 13 News. 

A godsend to veterans 

A 104-year-old Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) chapter in Petersburg, Virginia, had been struggling with a deteriorating roof for nearly 20 years. Looking up from inside VFW Post 622, one could see the sky through holes in the roof. Repairs would have cost $50,000, but thanks to a contest by QXO’s Beacon of Hope program, the post received a new roof for free.

"Beacon, you're a godsend to veterans. You're a godsend to us for all of us that served,” Fayette Moore, Post 622 commander, told WTVR Richmond Local News. “This VFW post has been struggling for membership, financial help and everything to try and keep this post running. The only way we get help is through people donating and helping us maintain." 

Now that their post has a secure roof, the members of VFW 622 are seeking donations to help replace ceiling tiles and install LED lights. To help, visit their website. 

Image source in order of appearance: ABC 13 News, KLTV 7 News, KCEN TV 6, ABC 13 News and WTVR Richmond Local News