New roofs for the holidays

By Jenny Yu.  

Enjoy these heartwarming stories of roofing companies giving back to veterans in their communities.  

It’s truly been a season of giving in the roofing world over the last few months. From Michigan and Montana to Massachusetts and New York, these four roofing companies selflessly spent time and resources providing roofs free of charge for veterans in their communities.  

Waterford, Michigan 

“My roof was just really old,” Marine Veteran Jared Holt shared with CBS News. “It was something that, every time I pulled into the driveway, I looked at and knew it was this really large expense that was coming for me and my family." 

One kind neighbor nominated Jared and his family for a new roof, and local roofing company Roof One, part of the Bone Dry Roofing family, offered the gift of a new roof, free of charge.  

Steve McCusker, founder and owner of Roof One, grew up in a military household and understood the value of community and care for servicepeople. His crew of 22 people ensured that Jared’s family felt that support. "It takes a massive expense that we were in the process of saving for, so now we maybe can take a small percentage of that that we were saving and have a really nice holiday,” Jared said.  

South Hadley, Massachusetts 

U.S. Navy Veteran Leo Pilares won the 2025 AQ Cares Veteran Roof Giveaway, an annual initiative from Adam Quenneville Roofing & Siding in partnership with GAF. The contest invited community members to read stories about local veterans’ service and ongoing contributions to their communities, and Leo’s stood out, garnering the most votes.  

“Leo’s story really struck a chord with all of us,” Morgan Bennett, marketing and development director at Adam Quenneville Roofing & Siding, told WWLP-22News. “He represents the quiet strength and selflessness that defines so many of our veterans. Being able to provide him and his family with a safe, secure roof isn’t just about roofing. It’s about gratitude, stability and giving back to someone who’s given so much.” 

Missoula, Montana 

Just in time for the holiday season, Marine Veteran Cliff Martin and his wife Kathleen received a new roof from Might Dog Roofing in partnership with Owens Corning’s Roof Deployment Project.  

“We didn't know how we were going to manage to get a new roof, and we had been exploring all different avenues,” Kathleen Martin told MTN News. “They told us they had a program, and we applied and we were selected. We are very grateful.” 

As a veteran himself, Mighty Dog owner Nick Whitehead was equally grateful to be of service. "Being in a position as a veteran to give to another veteran — hands down the best thing ever," Nick said.  

Latham, New York 

Finally, in Latham, New York, another Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project made one veteran’s day. Michael Szesnat, Sr., a disabled Marine Corps veteran, and his wife Deborah were the recipients of a roof built by Pinnacle Roofing in partnership with Purple Heart Homes.  

After a church friend did some research into the Purple Heart Homes program, realizing they qualified, Michael and Deborah got the help they needed. “I’ve been putting it off,” Deborah told NEWS10. “We’ve had some problems, and I’ve been trying to save to have it fixed but learned it had to be replaced. That was two or three years ago, so it was perfect timing. I really appreciate this so much.” 

With new roofs, all four families were able to enjoy the holiday season, safe and warm in their homes, all thanks to the kindness and generosity of the roofing community.