Deserving Navy Veteran Recipient of Free New Roof

By Lauren White, RCS Reporter.

With a leaky roof and no money to pay for a replacement, U.S. Navy veteran of 20 years wins new roof.

This past Veterans Day, Hank Weaver was not only remembering his 20 years of service in the U.S. Navy, but he was celebrating his new roof.  Hank’s roof has been leaking since Hurricane Florence hit his home in Wilmington, North Carolina in 2018. Thankfully for Hank, Monarch Roofing donates one veteran a free roof every year.  This year Monarch Roofing worked in conjunction with Step up for Soldiers to select their winner.

Founded in 2004, Step Up for Soldiers has been serving Iraqi and Afghan soldiers who have served the United States.  The idea for this organization started when the founder, Tom Russel, wanted to build wheelchair accessible ramps for two National Guard soldiers.  During their tours of duty, both soldiers lost their legs, making them wheelchair-bound. The organization has continued to grow. Supporting all five branches of the military, Step Up for Soldiers offerings include providing funding to soldiers in need of financial assistance, home modifications, like Hank, family support, and much more.  

The estimated cost to repair Hank’s roof damage would have been $8,000, which is money he didn’t have.  His girlfriend, who was battling stage four breast cancer, encouraged him to apply for the free roof. Hank submitted his application this past spring.

It was bittersweet when Hank heard he won the free roof.  He told Spectrum News, “My girlfriend was in the hospital at the time, and I told her.  We were excited.” The excitement didn’t last long though. Hank shared, “She had complications and about a week later— six days after they gave us the roof— she passed away.”

Hank has had a challenging few months since the passing of his girlfriend.  However, “The new roof finally put a smile back on his face,” Spectrum News Reported.  In his interview with Spectrum News, Hank expressed, “They’re [Monarch Roofing and Step Up for Soldiers] really the ones that deserve the recognition...You know, there’s hundreds of thousands of people that served their country and I just happen to be one of them.”

Monarch Roofing and Step Up for Soldiers dedication to assisting veterans has a lasting impact on their lives.  Now Hank won’t have to worry about finding the money to replace his leaking roof. Hank conveyed his appreciation for his new roof, stating, “It’s hard to put into words how grateful I am.”

Do you know of someone in the industry who is ‘doing good deeds’ in their community? Help us catch them at it. Send news and information to info@rooferscoffeeshop.com.