U.S. Air Force Veteran is Repaid with a New Roof

By Colin Sheehan, RCS Reporter.

Cancer survivor and deserving veteran receives a new roof after Hurricane Florence left it damaged.

Hurricane Florence damaged Barbara Potter’s roof more than two years ago. Potter, a Havelock U.S. Air Force veteran and cancer survivor who gave 20 years of service, is now being repaid with a new roof.

Potter grew up in rural Minnesota and her current home was built 12 years ago in a quiet area of Havelock that was similar to her childhood home. After the wake of Hurricane Florence, Potter’s roof was left with a wealth of leaks.

The labor for the project was provided by HRH Roofing and the funding and materials were provided through Owens Corning’s Roof Deployment Project. This relatively new project aims to match contractors with military families across the country to deliver and install free, new roofs.

The two organizations worked alongside Purple Heart Homes, a nonprofit housing service for aging veterans founded by veterans with a singular mission to make life easier for those who have served. Potter was selected and approved for roof replacement according to HRH Roofing, and together with Owens Corning’s Roof Deployment Project, the group was able to provide Potter with the roof she’s been needing for years.

Potter first contacted Endeavors, a San Antonio, Texas-based nonprofit that assists veterans and their families in times of crisis, when she noticed her roofing situation was becoming dire. Endeavors then connected Potter with Purple Heart Homes.

After Potter’s application was approved by Purple Heart Homes, Owens Corning’s Roof Deployment Project was contacted to supply the materials and fund the project. HRH Roofing was then able to start the job, which was done completely by hand.

Because of the older style of tar paper that was originally used, HRH Roofing had to take extra precautions. Owner Ras Homes said better roofing nails and a newer synthetic composite material were to be applied before the Owens Corning 30-year shingles, which are designed to withstand 130 mph winds.

All of those working on the project were excited to give back to someone who had given so much to them. “I would like the veterans to know that I appreciate what they have done for me,” Ras Homes commented. “That is the biggest reason we are here. We want to give back to those that gave to us. It is very important to us,” Homes said.

Potter watched the workers throughout the days they spent on the roof with excitement and appreciation, “I think it’s wonderful.” She said, “I still can’t believe it’s happening. People give so much and help others. And when it comes to you yourself, it’s like a miracle.”

Read the original story here.

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