GAF and East Coast Roofing complete first Project Honor roof donation for South Jersey veteran

Launched in 2026, Project Honor was created by East Coast Roofing in recognition of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebration.

What:

GAF, North America’s largest roofing and waterproofing manufacturer and East Coast Roofing, Siding & Windows has completed the first roof installation through East Coast Roofing’s initiative, Project Honor, which is focused on providing free roof replacements to veterans, active-duty service members and surviving spouses of veterans across South Jersey.

Michael Vonschondorf, a 100% service-connected disabled U.S. Navy veteran, is the first veteran to receive a roof through the East Coast Roofing initiative. He served from 2003 to 2011, including deployments aboard the USS Russell and to Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom.

After returning home, Michael continued dedicating himself to others through community service, which has included leading art classes for veterans, first responders, at-risk youth and disabled children. For years, however, his own family lived beneath a roof in severe disrepair, with major deterioration and holes that posed safety concerns.

“This donation means more to my family and me than words can express,” said Michael Vonschondorf. “After years of living with a roof in dangerous condition, having a secure home gives me peace of mind that my family is safe.”

Through Project Honor, East Coast Roofing is installing a full GAF-certified roofing system at no cost to the family, with GAF donating the complete roofing system and warranty.

Launched in 2026, Project Honor was created by East Coast Roofing in recognition of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebration. Over the course of the year, the company plans to provide 25 free roof replacements to veterans, active-duty service members and widows or widowers of veterans throughout South Jersey. The program operates through a nomination and selection process led by a volunteer committee of veterans and active-duty military personnel, who evaluate applicants based on need, service, family circumstances and roof condition.

“Project Honor is built on a simple idea; gratitude should be demonstrated through action. This program is about more than replacing roofs, it’s about showing up for the people who have served our country and finding meaningful ways to give back,” said Shawn Stiteler, owner and president of East Coast Roofing. “We are honored to partner with GAF to provide Michael’s family with a safe, reliable roof and we hope this initiative inspires others across the industry to find meaningful ways to support veterans and military families in their own communities.”

This collaboration is part of GAF’s social impact initiative, GAF Community Matters, which is focused on making a positive difference as neighbors and partners in the community by leveraging roofing expertise, resources and products to help build resilient communities.