Giving veterans a Beacon of Hope

By Emma Peterson.

With each Beacon of Hope roof installed, another veteran is honored and protected.

For nearly a century, Beacon Building Products has aimed to make the world better, both for contractors and the communities around them. Today, their team of over 8,000 employees enable contractors across North America to not only get the supplies they need efficiently, but to also give back through programs like Beacon of Hope. This program connects military veterans (both from the U.S. and Canada) with local roofing companies. Beacon is able to then supply those local companies with TRI-BUILT® and CertainTeed products to install for the veterans to keep them safe and secure.  

Since the Beacon of Hope program’s inception in 2019, it has helped over 50 veterans get safe, durable roofs installed. Keep reading to meet some of the inspiring Beacon of Hope recipients from 2024!

Carmen F. - North Easton, Massachusetts

Carmen F., a 76-year-old Army Veteran, has spent his life taking care of those around him. While in the service, he earned the National Defense Service Medal and when his wife Diane fell ill, he stepped in as her full-time caregiver. Tracie L. nominated Carmen, who has since gone through heart surgery and been diagnosed with a host of medical conditions, for Beacon of Hope because of his urgent need for a roof replacement, “One of the most urgent needs is a replacement roof. The roof has been patched a few times; however, the issue persists and Carmen lives in constant worry of continuing damage to the roof. Carmen lives in Easton, Massachusetts, where winters can be brutal.”

Galen A. - North Port, Florida

Another U.S. Army Veteran, Galen A. was nominated by Rachel B for a new roof. Galen served as a sargeant E5, Ranger, which saw him parachuting many times over the course of his service. This took a toll on his knees, eventually leading to the amputation of one of his legs. Despite this loss, Galen continued to find ways to help others whenever he could. After the loss of his other leg in 2023, Rachel nominated him for Beacon of Hope, saying, “Galen is a very sweet person who is always ready to help others — seeing his struggles over the years of knowing him is heartbreaking to see. I know it would be a huge blessing to see them get a new roof that is much needed.”  

Jeff K. - Wolmelsdorf, Pennsylvania

The roof on Veteran Jeff K.’s house, which is at least 75 years old, is in desperate need of some TLC. But that was never Jeff’s priority. His nominator, Eric K. shared, “When my sister-in-law Tina suffered a debilitating stroke in 2022, she was left with significant mobility issues and minor neurological impairments. My brother Jeff barely left her side in the months that followed Tina’s stroke. He took a leave at work and when that time ran out, he quit so that he could be there to care for her and help her with her rehabilitation and recovery.” Prior to Jeff served in the U.S. Marine Reserve and fought in the Persian Gulf war in 1991.

Kenneth D. - Wyoming, Michigan

Kenneth (Ken) D. grew up in a blue-collar family and worked in farm fields during the summer for extra money. The core values of hard work, discipline and determination guided his path into the Army where he served in the 101st Airbourne division. During his service, Ken was deployed to Vietnam. Matthew D., who nominated this incredible Veteran, shared, “Ken’s roof leaked in several areas, and he always found a way to try and repair it himself. However, in November of 2023 Ken suffered a heart condition that required immediate surgery along with therapy to follow. Given this condition it has slowed Ken down physically unable to do any roof repairs and he has been too proud to ever ask for any help.”

Check out more of the incredible stories of the veterans receiving new roofs through the 2024 Beacon of Hope contest!