Army Veteran Receives New Roof for Thanksgiving

By Lauren White, RCS Reporter.

The collaboration between three companies made this veteran’s home safe again.

Bobby Hogan, a United States Army Veteran, had a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.  A new roof was installed on his home in Piedmont, South Carolina thanks to the joint effort of Owens Corning Roofing, Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County, and Guy Roofing.  This installation was part of the Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project

Bobby told FOX Carolina that he avoided one side of his house because he was afraid the roof would cave in.  He also noticed that the floors were separating in his home because of his leaking roof.  “My chimney was supposed to have a cap, but it didn’t,” Bobby explained. Due to these unsafe conditions, he was referred to Habitat for Humanity, which is how he was connected with the Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project.

“A roof is one of the more important parts of a house in terms of keeping you warm, dry and safe from the elements...A lot of times people don’t have the means to fix or replace their roof because of the cost, so we’re able to do this at no cost to the homeowner,” explained Mark Steenback from Habitat for Humanity to FOX Carolina.

The Roof Deployment Project began in 2016, and since then has provided 150 military families with new roofs.  This nationwide effort provides roofs to veterans in need. For Bobby’s roof, materials were donated by Owens Corning, and the seven-member crew from Guy Roofing donated their labor to complete the installation.

Bobby was an engineer for the Army, “building bridges and doing construction work everywhere from Texas to Afghanistan,” according to the Greenville News.  He served from 1980 to 1992.  Bobby told the Greenville News, “I did some serious work in my day.  When I was young, I enjoyed it, but it took a toll on me.” His work caused severe back problems for Bobby, resulting in a disability discharge.  Bobby remained in the Army Reserve for eight years after he was discharged. He now drives a forklift for Landair, a logistics, transportation, and distribution company.  

“We appreciate our local veterans, and we want to show our gratitude to Bobby for his service to the country,” said Kellie Gault, marketing manager for Guy Roofing.  Bobby’s home is the first project the local Habitat for Humanity has worked on with Owens Corning. And it is the second time Guy Roofing has worked in conjunction with the Roof Deployment Project. 

“To hear Mr. Hogan talking about it being his Thanksgiving and Christmas present, for us it’s the same...We feel just as honored and just as privileged to be helping and serving him as he probably is to get the new roof,” Mark Steenback shared.  Habitat for Humanity is finding funding to help with the repairs of the damaged floors in Bobby’s home.  

This $8,000 to $10,000 gift was well received.  “This is the happiest moment of my life,” expressed Bobby.  A new roof, and chimney cap, provide Bobby with a safe and dry home to live in.  Now he won’t have to avoid certain areas of his home, nor will he have to worry about any more damage due to roof leaks.  

About the Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project

When troops are away from home, family life can be stressful for those left behind, and home repairs are often overlooked. That's why Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractors are working with Habitat For Humanity to offer new roofs to servicemen and women in need. Together, we can build a better future.

If you are an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor and wish to join the program, please contact us at roofdeployment@owenscorning.com.