Nora Springs veteran gets a new roof through national program, area contractor

By Bob Steenson, bsteenson@charlescitypress.com

A Nora Springs veteran received a new roof on his home this week as part of a program by a shingle manufacturing company, an area roofing and siding contractor and national organizations that work on housing and veterans issues.

Brandon Schmidt, who served in the U.S. Army, was selected as part of the Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project through a partnership with Purple Heart Homes and Young Construction of Mason City.

“The Roof Deployment Project is a nationwide effort to show gratitude and honor the veterans who served our country and the families who support them,” according to information from the project. Since the inception of the program in 2016, more than 375 military members have received new roofs.

The project brings together Owens Corning Roofing, members of its independent “Platinum Contractor Network” such as Young Construction, Habitat for Humanity and other organizations such as Purple Heart Homes, to identify veterans who are in need of roof replacements. Owens Corning donates roofing materials, and the independent contractor members donate the installation labor.

Purple Heart Homes said it helps fills the gaps in housing through its Veterans’ Aging In Place and Veterans Home Opportunity Programs.

“From building a ramp for a Veteran of World War II, to providing home ownership opportunities to younger veterans, our programs are designed out of necessity and fit the specific needs of the veteran population,” Purple Heart Homes said.

Ava Shafer, new marketing media manager for Young Construction, said the Schmidts received their new roof as part of the company’s YCQS program and the Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project.

“Over the past few years we’ve partnered with Owens Corning and Purple Heart Homes to identify, honor and help protect deserving military veterans by installing new roofs around our area for them,” Shafer said.

“Our roofers got started early in the morning to ensure the house was completed before the Schmidts got home from work,” she added.

Brandon Schmidt posted on the Young Construction Facebook page, “Thank you all! We love it! Looks amazing and obviously super fast work! Thanks so much! We really appreciate it!”