‘It’s really something’: National Women in Roofing’s local council gifts new roof to Redmond veteran
Claire Elmer
(Update: adding video, interviews with veteran, NWIR, and CertainTeed)
REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The National Women in Roofing’s Central Oregon council marked their “Raise the Roof” event Thursday by giving a local veteran a brand new roof.
The event brought together more than a dozen businesses who have donated time, materials, and labor — all to give back to those who have served our country.
Larry Moyer, a Navy vet and recipient of the new room, was connected to the giveaway through his volunteer work with veterans in the community.
“This group, the National Women in Roofing, really is a giving group. And they’re really just a wonderful bunch of people, and they’re from all different businesses. It’s really something,” Moyer said.
Moyer, who rightfully takes pride in his volunteer work, appreciates the reciprocated thoughtfulness.
“They’re really trying to give back to the community, and that’s what I do a lot,” he said. “That’s a really, really important thing for all of us. I don’t care who you are or where you’re from – take care of each other.”
National Women in Roofing — also known as NWIR — is a volunteer-based group that launched its Central Oregon chapter earlier this year. Members say this project is about more than just roofing.
Amy Cashman, social media manager for the new chapter, spoke to KTVZ News of the positive impact the group has when people work together.
“We are able to do something really, really special just by coming together and volunteering whatever it is that our strength is, and this is the result of it,” Cashman said.
For partner companies, giving back to deserving community members is the biggest reward. Some even feel a personal connection to the mission.
Jack McDonnell, territory manager of CertainTeed — the company who donated high-quality shingles for the project — spoke of the company’s commitment to veterans.
“Myself and CertainTeed are more than happy to support Oregon Band of Brothers, National Women in Roofing, and of course, the veteran here that we have today,” McDonnell said.
The fact that McDonnell’s grandfather was a veteran makes the project even more impactful to him: “My grandfather, he was a Marine in Vietnam. And so that resonates with me to a pretty significant extent.”
Moyer says he’s grateful for the community that rallied around him — and for an organization dedicated to lifting up both veterans and women in the roofing industry.
The NWIR says this is just the beginning of what they hope to accomplish in the community. They are grateful to their sponsors for making it possible.
