Disabled Marine Veteran Recipient of Brand New Roof

By Lauren White, RCS Reporter.

Community donations and the generosity of a veteran-owned roofing company helped replace a leaky roof for free. 

A disabled Marine veteran in Erie, Pennsylvania recently had his leaky roof replaced with a new metal roof, free of charge!  The Veterans Miracle Center of Erie (VMCE) realized the leaky roof was dangerous and a health hazard and reached out to see which organizations would be willing to help.  When John Pleger Roofing heard about the Marine in need, they immediately wanted to help.  

The VMCE is dedicated to assisting veterans after they have returned home.  This 501(c)(3) non-profit was started in January 2015 by John Kowalcyzk.  The VMCE serves veterans and active-duty military personnel in northwestern Pennsylvania, providing them with essentials such as clothing, personal care and hygiene products, houseware items and much more, free of charge.  They partner with other veteran organizations to provide support, counseling and other services.  

John Pleger, the owner of John Pleger Roofing, is also a veteran.  In his interview with Erie News Now John shares, “There’s a big thing with vets helping vets.  You just kind of pass it on; you help one another out.”  

John set up a GoFundMe to help raise money to pay for the materials.  He and his crew completed the reroof for free.  On the GoFundMe page, John wrote, “The leaks are destroying his home.  He risks so many health hazards it only gets worse every time it rains.  Times are tough for everyone in our nation and our communities.  I need everyone to help pull together for this man.”  Through the generosity of others, over $4,000 was raised, surpassing the goal John set.

The Pennsylvania community rallied together to support a man who has served and protected the United States.  The collaboration between John Pleger Roofing and the Veterans Miracle Center of Erie (VMCE) helped make this possible in just a month and a half.  During this unprecedented time, things are looking up for the disabled Marine veteran with a brand new roof over his head.

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.