Beacon of Hope

JOSHUA K

ANDERSON, IN
UNITED STATES

Our daughter Alice was born into the world on Christmas day almost ten years ago. It was early evening but already dark at Langley Air Force Base Hospital, and she and I were alone. Joshua was midway through an eight-month month deployment aboard the Harry S. Truman naval carrier in the Persian Gulf. He came to know and love Alice through emailed stories and photographs, and he finally had the joy of holding her the following April. We had four wonderful years together, building a home and family in Virginia, before he deployed again. We made the difficult decision to transition to civilian life as we saw that her anxiety was incompatible with the uncertainties of military life. After twelve years as a naval rescue swimmer, Joshua had permanent joint and spinal damage resulting in chronic pain and a 100% disability rating as determined by the Veterans’ administration. - Krista K

BRIAN D

ATTLEBORO, MA
UNITED STATES

Brian joined the Marines in 2005. Upon completing basic training he graduated from Assault Amphibian Crewman School. He deployed to Iraq in September 2006, with a second tour 2008. Both tours were in Al Anbar Province Iraq. His Platoon was also deployed in support of Operation Foal Eagle. Where he was trained as a combat lifesaver for his second tour in Iraq in 2008. He is a life member of VFW Post 115 in Attleboro. As commander of the Post Brian was my Junior Vice Commander. He started a program of volunteers to assist Disabled veterans with yard cleanup. He continues to operate this program today. At this point in life, there is no way he can afford to pay for a roof in the deadline his insurance company has given to fix or replace it. Brian has dedicated his time to help other veterans as well as community. - Gerald L

ALBERT B

BAREFOOT BAY, FL
UNITED STATES

The #DoYouGiveARuck? organization would like to nominate Leanne Bernice for the roofing giveaway. After Albert deployed, he came home with a lot of issues with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Unfortunately, he lost the battle. Leaving behind his wife and 2 young boys. Leanne has volunteered with us several years and has marched in Alberts honor during our 20-mile ruck march. Leanne lives in a 30 year old modular home with her 2 sons. Her roof and home has reached a critical stage as her bathroom floor has begun to deteriorate and the roof has shown signs of weak spots and leaking. Leanne may have never dawned a uniform but she has given more to this country than any woman should. He may not be here now, but it is our duty to carry the torch for him. - Johnathan R.

DANIEL W

Boonville, MO
UNITED STATES

My Dad is an 84-year-old Navy Veteran. He served during the Vietnam Conflict, as well as my Mother. We come from a long line of Navy Veterans which include, my grandfather, dad's brother, my mother and father and Me, his son. He has given up so much to give to his family, including the loss of my mother to cancer. He continues to do whatever he can to help his family and we have been there to try and help him. We feel that his time in life is getting less, it is time for something for him. A new roof is needed dearly on his house. He has worked to help the public as a barber for 39 years. Barbers are a dying breed, please consider this father, veteran and retired barber when making your choice for a new roof. - Chris W

BRIAN S

CAMERON PARK, CA
UNITED STATES

My father grew up in a military family, living the majority of his childhood on a military base in Okinawa, Japan. The family moved all around during this time, eventually landing in Shingle Springs, CA around the time he was 15. He enlisted in the US Army at age 17 and spent nearly 4 years in South Korea working on weapons/radar systems. He is the hardest working person I've ever met. Started a business (California Re-Key Locksmith) after being laid off in 2008. Even at age 65, with an aortic aneurism, he works harder than everyone I know. He has selflessly worked hard his entire life to provide for his family and give me a childhood that he wasn't able to have. - Garrett S

PAT C

CHICOPEE, MA
UNITED STATES

Patrick Comiskey Sr. is a two-tour Vietnam Veteran suffering from PTSD, Agent Orange, and kidney/heart damage. Not only has his health been a huge battle for years, but he also just lost his loving wife/best friend of 50 plus years in May. He put himself last to give his all for his wife, caring for her even more for the last 3+ years as her health sadly declined due to kidney and liver failure. He has always had a huge heart for helping the homeless and less fortunate. He was on board at the Springfield Rescue Mission, where he helped run their outreach food operations. He does not like to be recognized or "bragged" about, but he has always given to others if he could and has never looked for anything in return. He spent his years caring for his mother when he was younger to working hard for everything he has and caring for his family. - Tom M

DOROTHEA W

COLUMBUS, OH
UNITED STATES

Dorothea is now 94 years old and served in the US Navy reserves in her late twenties and early thirties. Dorothea was raised by her aunt and uncle as a child as her parents did not want her. As life went on, she would take on orphaned kids in her home and help them with food and clothing, spending much of her earned money and savings on those children that she was helping out. Dorothea has never been married and has no remaining family members. She lives alone in a small mobile home that is falling apart at the seams and needs a LOT of work. A few years ago we were able to get her roof replaced by insurance, however they wouldn't do anything for her siding. Dorothea still works a part time job, even at the age of 94, just to make ends meet and be able to pay her bills. - Andrew S

SAYRA W

LINCOLN, NE
UNITED STATES

I believe that Sayra deserves recognition for her remarkable journey and dedication to service. She was brought to the United States as a young child from Mexico by her mother in pursuit of a better life. Sayra became a citizen on December 13th of 2013. Sayra embraced the opportunities offered by this country and made the profound decision to give back by enlisting in the U.S. Army during her senior year of high school. Sayra became first-generation military personnel, where she demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the nation that opened doors for her, recognizing that such opportunities would not have been available in the environment where she came from. Her rapid rise through the ranks, earning the title of Staff Sergeant in less than six years, which is an example of her leadership and determination. Equally important is her passion for guiding her soldiers beyond military life, encouraging them to pursue higher education and preparing them for success in civilian careers. - Jennifer C

CARMEN F

NORTH EASTON, MA
UNITED STATES

Carmen is a 76-year-old Army Veteran who was commended with the National Defense Service Medal. When Carmen’s wife, Diane, became ill, he stepped in as her full-time caregiver, refusing to place her in a facility. Since Diane’s passing, Carmen has struggled financially to make much needed repairs on his home. One of the most urgent needs is a replacement roof. The roof has been patched a few times; however, the issue persists and Carmen lives in constant worry of continuing damage to the roof. Carmen lives in Easton, Massachusetts, where winters can be brutal. Additionally, Carmen has been diagnosed with a host of medical conditions and has survived heart surgery. - Tracei L

GALEN A

NORTH PORT, FL
UNITED STATES

Galen is a US Army Veteran - Rank: Sargeant E5, Ranger. He parachuted many times during his service and that took a toll on his knees. Over time one of his knees failed so much that he lost one of his legs to being amputated. Galen struggled to keep the other leg but eventually, in 2023, he had to have the other leg amputated. Galen is a very sweet person who is always ready to help others - seeing his struggles over the years of knowing him is heartbreaking to see. I know it would be a huge blessing to see them get a new roof that is much needed. - Rachel B

JEFF K

WOLMELSDORF, PA
UNITED STATES

On Friday March 4th 2022, my sister-in-law Tina Keller suffered a debilitating stroke. Tina is left with significant mobility issues and minor neurological impairments. My brother Jeff barely left her side in the months that followed Tina’s stroke. He took a leave at work and when that time ran out, he quit so that he could be there to care for her and help her with her rehabilitation and recovery. Jeff served in the US Marine Reserve for 6 years and fought in the Persian Gulf war in 1991. Jeff is a proud Veteran and his son followed his footsteps and served as a marine as well. With the changes in their financial situation (Tina’s disability is significantly less than her salary was), improvements to the house have been pushed off. The roof on Jeff’s home is at least 75 years old and is likely cedar shakes under a tin roof that goes down into a rubber roof in part of the rear. - Eric K

KENNETH D

WYOMING, MI
UNITED STATES

Ken grew up in a middle-class blue-collar family with the values of hard work and faith. As a young boy he was in farm fields working for extra money during the summers that taught him discipline and determination. Later Ken joined the Army and was in the 101st Airbourne division where he served in Vietnam and carried his hard work and dedication he grew up with. Kens roof leaked in several areas and he always found a way to try and repair it himself. However in November of 2023 Ken suffered a heart condition that required immediate surgery along with therapy to follow Given this condition it has slowed Ken down physically unable to do any roof repairs and he has been too proud to ever ask for any help. - Matthew D

LARRY H

MADOC, ON
CANADA

My brother joined the military when he was 18 fresh out of high school, he served until a few years back (around 17 and a half years of service) when he was forced to retire early due to the brain injury he received while on tour. I was living down in Windsor and ended up leaving and moving in with him to become his unofficial caretaker as his short-term memory has become worse over the years. After sacrificing so much it would be great for him to be able to receive this opportunity. - David H

CHRIS B

OROMOCTO, NB
CANADA

I am nominating my husband, Chris Blain. We have been together for 15 years and served together in the Canadian Armed Forces. We were both streamlined in the artillery trade to serve our country and perform meaningful work within the Department of National Defence and for surrounding areas as well as distant areas. After releasing with mental and physical injuries we both have had struggles and obstacles we have always had to overcome. Additionally, our family grew to four as we have two amazing children that live with us in the house, and with raising costs, braces, etc., we find it hard to put money elsewhere, such as the roof as it needs repaired. I would love for him to be chosen as he always gives back to the community and those in need selflessly without wanting/expecting anything in return. - Brianne B

VFW POST 622

PETERSBURG, VA
UNITED STATES

VFW Post 622 members have been committed to serving military veterans and the local community for over 104 years. Post 622 has 148 members and 78 Auxiliary members. Post 622 members support Veterans in need, local schools, community food banks, community wellness programs, and recognize First Responders. The Post serves as a meeting place for veterans, auxiliary members, families, and local citizens. Over the past few years, the use of the facility has been limited due to a severely leaking roof. The members have repaired the roof and ceiling numerous times over the years. However, a permanent solution is required as the roof damage is causing interior destruction and creating a safety hazard. Repairing the roof will allow Post 622 members to support more Veterans in need and local citizens. - James G

SAULS BRIDGES AMERICAN LEGION

TALLAHASSEE, FL
UNITED STATES

Our Post is over 100 years old. Recently, a past Commander hired an unlicensed contractor to replace our old roof and install a new roof. The roof is completely messed up. The State of Florida has gone after the unlicensed contractor, and we are stuck with a leaking roof. We are trying anything and everything to get this roof situation resolved but are coming up short. We need a miracle. This post serves THOUSANDS of Veterans every single year. We cannot afford a leaking roof to destroy this historical post. - Edward H

ANNOUNCING THE 2024 WINNERS

Sixteen (16) Grand Prize Winners will receive installation of all exterior roof repairs/replacement.

2024 Beacon of Hope Winners