Marine Thanked for Service With New Roof

By David Young, RCS Writer. 

Marine veteran gets surprise new roof. 

Marine Corps veteran Christopher Wilson’s 1922 childhood home in Detroit, Michigan is getting a new roof courtesy of Habitat for Humanity and local roofing contractor Rock Solid Exteriors.  The home has been in the Wilson family for three generations.  A close friend of Mr. Wilson’s knew of the need and signed him up through the Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project.  The roof was last repaired 20 years ago and has been leaking for the past three. 

As a marine, Wilson believes there is no challenge too large and had intended to do the repairs himself but is physically restricted due to a metal rod in his leg that leaves him walking with a limp.  “The opportunity to be picked for something like this is like winning the lottery,” said Wilson to WXYZ Detroit.  “I wanted to do it myself, but I am limited in my ability to get it done.” 

As Wilson watched the roofers do a complete tear off of the old and brittle shingles, he found himself thinking of the cost of this project (estimated at $10,000).  “It’s a beautiful thing. It’s a beautiful thing. I appreciate it. I really do,” he said.  “It’s just a great load off your shoulders.  It’s a very expensive job,” he added. 

What is a blessing to Wilson, seems like a small gesture of thanks from the staff at both Habitat for Humanity and Rock Solid Exteriors.  “We feel it is very important to serve our veterans that served our country.  And we know having a safe stable home leads to so many great outcomes,” said Mary Ellen Kearney with Habitat for Humanity.  A small act of kindness to thank a veteran for their time, service and sacrifice.  To date, more than 325 military members have received new roofs through the repair program. To date, more than 325 military members have received new roofs through the repair program.   

This small act of kindness to thank a veteran for his time, service and sacrifice will continue to give back to Mr. Wilson for many years to come. 

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Photo credit: Click On Detroit