Missouri Navy Veteran is Recipient of New Roof

By Karen L. Edwards, RCS Editor.

He served his country during the Vietnam war, conducting search and rescue operations for airmen.

Abernathy Roofing & Construction, an Owens Corning roofing contractor, and the Joplin Area Habitat for Humanity made the donation possible as reported by the Joplin Globe. Navy Veteran Louis Foraker was the lucky recipient after his sister learned that the Joplin, Missouri Habitat for Humanity was seeking veterans in need of roofing repair work and applied on behalf of her brother.

The donation was made possible as part of the Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project which has donated over 200 roofs nationwide to veterans since the program’s inception. Owens Corning donated the materials and Abernathy Roofing & Construction donated the labor to perform the installation.

The Joplin Globe reported that Louis stood across the street to watch workers tearing off the old roof and stated, “Fantastic, isn’t it?”

Scott Clayton, Joplin Area Habitat for Humanity’s executive director, said that he listened to Louis being interviewed for the news story and he used the word fantastic about three times. “I know that he’s thrilled by what’s happened here today,” he said.

Louis shared that when he first got out of the Navy, he worked on roofs. “My uncle and I used to work on roofs after I got out of the Navy. But we didn’t have all the modern equipment like they have today. We had to carry everything up on our shoulders.”

Jon Abernathy shared the importance of helping, saying, “Giving back to the community is what we’re all about.”

Louis served his country beginning in 1969 when he was first deployed to Vietnam in 1969 and served three six-month deployments on ships in southeast Asia. He discharged as a ship serviceman 3rd class, returning to Missouri where he worked at repairing radiators until his retirement.

Do you know of someone in the industry who is ‘doing good deeds’ in their community? Help us catch them at it. Send news and information to info@rooferscoffeeshop.com.