LORAIN, Ohio — A U.S. Army veteran from northeast Ohio is getting a major boost to home life, thanks to a nationwide effort aimed at showing gratitude to those who’ve served the country.
Peter Avalos Sr., 93, who spent years working for the Ford Motor Company, also served as a paratrooper in World War II.
Thanks to a nomination from his son, Peter Avalos Jr., the veteran was chosen to receive a brand new roof for his Lorain, Ohio, home, something his son said was desperately needed, but his dad couldn’t afford.
“That’s in need of some serious replacement there,” said Avalos Jr., glancing up at his father’s roof, which was in a state of disarray.
Avalos Jr., wanting to help his dad out, contacted Purple Heart Homes, an organization which helps aging and disabled veterans by making necessary home repairs.
Through a partnership with Owens Corning Platinum Roofing and Absolute Roofing & Construction, Inc., workers were sent out to Avalos Sr.’s home on a bitterly-cold November day to get the home-improvement project complete.
“We like to find people in need and do something significant as far as changing their life,” said John Keating, president of the northeast Ohio chapter of Purple Heart Homes.
The Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project is a nationwide effort that honors veterans who served our country and the families who support them.
“It’s really nice to help somebody else. It’s a cold day, but it’s a warm feeling inside,” Keating said.
Since the inception of this program in 2016, more than 375 military members have received new roofs.
“I’m real happy,” said Avalos Sr., looking up at the makeover underway on the home he’s owned for the past 40 years.
A new roof, though not cheap, might not seem like much compared to the risk Avalos Sr. took to protect the country, but to this veteran and his family it’s a world of difference.
“Very glad, appreciate it,” said Avalos Sr.
For more information on the Roof Deployment Project, or to learn more about how you can get involved, click here.
