Neighborhood servant receives free roof replacement

By The Third Estimate.  

The Third Estimate’s Think Third Patriot Project honored veteran Jared Bzdok, whose home has become a cornerstone of his Copley community. 

Every year, The Third Estimate partners with Owens Corning and the Roof Deployment Project to donate a free roof replacement for a veteran through their Think Third Patriot Project. This fall, the honor went to Air Force veteran Jared Bzdok, whose Copley, Ohio, home had long served as a gathering place for the whole neighborhood.  

Having served six years in the Air Force and two tours in Iraq dedicated to search-and-rescue operations, Jared is very deserving of this gift. When he arrived home, Jared dedicated his life to his family — his wife, Anita, and their three sons — as well as his community, leading baseball clinics, coaching youth sports and opening his home to local kids for a safe space to play.  

Fixing what was left behind 

Five years ago, the Bzdoks replaced their roof, but the job wasn’t done very well. The roof was soft, shingles were falling off and moisture was trapped under reused underlayment. 

During a local Veterans’ Association lunch, Jared met Tara Colopy, CEO of The Third Estimate, and learned about our Think Third Patriot Project. This program donates a free roof to a veteran or first responder every year. He applied, was selected and our team got to work. 

Since the roof was in such poor shape, we had to completely resheet his roof. We rebuilt his roof, installed new gutters and ensured everything was up to code, this time built to last. 

A day of community and gratitude 

The installation day felt more like a neighborhood block party. Jared grilled burgers, hot dogs and slow-cooked brisket for the crew and everyone who stopped by. Kids played football and soccer while families gathered to celebrate a deserving veteran. 

Jared summed it up perfectly: “Most people think of a roof as just, oh, it’s just a roof. But no, it’s like somebody handing you $20,000. It’s amazing.” 

In a touching moment, Jared gifted Tara a bottle of Horse Soldier Bourbon, crafted by veterans who served after 9/11. The thoughtfulness behind the gift brought her to tears. 

Original article and photos source: The Third Estimate