A roof for a hero

By Hannah Ford. 

Father of seven wins free roof in special giveaway. 

It was a complete shock and surprise for Robert when representatives from Freedom Roofing, Windows and Siding LLC. knocked on his door to tell him he was getting a free roof. “One day the doorbell rang, and my son said, ‘Hey, you better answer the door,’” Robert told The Blade. 

Andrew Kish thought he would do something nice for his father, who is a U.S. Air National Guard veteran. Although he knew the chances were slim, he entered his father in the Freedom Roofing Project giveaway in hopes that Robert would win a free roof. “I heard about the Freedom Roofing Project through a Facebook post,” Andrew explained when talking about the application essay he submitted. He added, “I did not think that he would have been chosen, because it was on social media and there were hundreds of likes and comments on the post.” 

Andrew’s father had other concerns to worry about besides their aging roof.  Several of his children were battling various health issues which affected their finances. “Coming from a large family, we have to prioritize what money is spent on,” Robert’s son said. Freedom Roofing installed a new roof on his home which relieved much of Robert’s burden. In partnership with Owens Corning and Purple Heart Homes, the cost of the materials was covered.  

The owner of Freedom Roofing is a veteran as well. Brady Donnell had joined the Ohio Army National Guard and served as an infantry officer in Afghanistan. He sustained a noncombat injury that led to his return home, but shortly after the men he had worked with died in service. Brady has focused on finding ways to support fellow veterans, especially with the mental and physical health difficulties that many experience upon their return to civilian life. “Typically, when you get out of the military, you tend to be forgotten,” said fellow veteran Zach Bermejo, the senior project manager for Freedom Roofing. Freedom Roofing made sure Robert wasn’t forgotten and his service in the National Guard was honored and rewarded.  

Original image source: The Blade