Roof it forward

By Alberto Torres. 

A U.S. Army veteran from Bellefonte received a much-needed roof thanks to a giving program and the teamwork of local contractors. 

With winter in full swing, having a roof over your head isn’t just comfortable, it’s a necessity. This year, retired U.S. Army veteran Thomas Sharpe and his wife Cheryl are heading into the winter season with one less worry thanks to the generosity of a local roofing company and a national giving program. 

Thomas, a veteran who served in Korea during the Vietnam era, had been living under an aging roof that needed to be replaced. That’s when Starway Roof Systems and Owens Corning Platinum Roofing stepped in to help through the Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project, a nationwide effort to give back to veterans for their service. Owens Corning provided the materials, and Starway donated all the labor, completing a project valued at $15,000 at no cost to the Sharpe family. 

Cheryl shared how much this gift meant to them: “We are so fortunate and so grateful, and Tom feels so honored,” she said, expressing the immense gratitude she and her husband felt for the work done to protect their home, according to The Lock Haven Express. 

Thomas, a man of few words, echoed his wife's sentiment when he said, "It is very honoring that they would consider us.” 

Community support played a big role in connecting the Sharpe family with this opportunity. The Centre County Veterans Affairs Office helped guide them through the approval process for the project. 

This kind of work isn't just about shingles and nails; it's about giving back to people who have given so much. For professionals in the roofing industry, it's a reminder that our profession can do more than just protect homes and businesses — it can improve lives. OC’s Roof Deployment Project, Starway’s generosity and other similar programs across the country continue to help veterans secure safe and dry housing when they need it most – especially this time of year. 

And, for veterans like Thomas, it means peace of mind, safety and a home that’s protected for years to come.