PHOTO BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
BUILD DAY … Eric Walton, Senior Area Sales Manager for Owens Corning, Gene Wilson, Owner of RoofOhio, Amanda Harmon, and U.S. Air National Guard Veteran Kristopher Harmon stand together outside the Harmon home in Swanton during the installation of a new roof through the Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
Community came together in Swanton on Monday, October 6, to celebrate a meaningful gesture that will have a lasting impact on one local veteran.
U.S. Air National Guard Veteran Kristopher “Kris” Harmon received a brand-new roof through the Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project, a nationwide program that partners with contractors to provide free roofs to veterans in need.
Harmon, who served nearly 19 years in the Air Force, was medically retired on Veterans Day of last year due to health issues. With medical changes and other priorities to manage, replacing the roof had remained on hold. That changed when RoofOhio stepped in to help.
“This means a lot to us,” Harmon said during the installation. “We’ve been trying to get a new roof put on since before we even bought the house.
“But with everything going on, and being on a fixed income, it just wasn’t possible. A roof isn’t a cheap project. Having this done takes a huge burden off our shoulders.”
Harmon, a Master Sergeant at the time of his medical retirement, grew up in nearby Oregon and served at the 180th Fighter Wing.
He explained that the program was brought to his attention by Gene Wilson of RoofOhio after his family initially contacted the company for a quote.
Wilson, the owner of RoofOhio, has made it a priority to give back to veterans through this initiative each year.
“Once a year, we try to find a veteran who needs a new roof,” Wilson explained. “We work with Owens Corning and Purple Heart Homes to make it happen.
“There’s nothing I can ever do to repay veterans for what they’ve done for us, but this is something we can do to give back. It might seem small to us, but it can mean the world to them.”
Wilson said the company often reviews 10 to 20 veteran applicants to determine who the project will benefit most. In Harmon’s case, his young family and long military service made him an ideal candidate.
“I like being able to help,” Wilson said. “I grew up here. Most of our business is local, and it’s personal for us.
“When you put the roof on and shake their hand at the end of it, seeing that smile and knowing you’ve made a difference, it’s a good feeling.”
Work on the home began early in the morning and continued throughout the day, with the new roof expected to last decades.
For Harmon and his family, it is more than a home improvement; it is a sign of support and gratitude from the community he calls home.
“It’s been a tough road,” Harmon said. “But this makes things a little bit easier. We’re very thankful.”