Murphy – Steve Geyer wasn’t certain he could solve the problem – an unusual circumstance for a man who made a 20-year career out of solving problems as a gunnery sergeant with the U.S. Marine Corps.
Two years ago, their homeowner’s insurance company notified them that their roof, which was a quarter of a century old, was no longer covered by the company. Any damage or leaks would have to be paid from Geyer’s own pocket.
This was pretty gutting news to Geyer, a disabled veteran, and his wife, Becky.
“We planned to put our savings into a chair lift for our home,” he said.
Fortunately for Geyer, his brother Jerry, who was in the Florida roofing business, heard of a program called Beacon’s Hope that chooses 10 veterans across the nation to win a free roof. It seemed like a long shot, but Geyer, in desperate need, applied anyway.
Beacon Roofing Supply Inc. began the program in 2018 to uplift veterans. Their website calls the program “a North American initiative to help veterans facing adversity.”
In order to qualify for the annual award, veterans must complete a comprehensive application. They are only allowed access to that if they served in active duty and received an honorable discharge.
Beacon of Hope requires each applicant to send in three photos of their roof and a short essay explaining why they deserve consideration. Geyer followed all the guidelines but said, “I never expected to win.”
However, Erik Harvey with Beacon Builders in Asheville notified Geyer last month that he had won a coveted slot in the program. As one might expect, Geyer was ecstatic.
The work began in late June, after all the materials from Tamko Building Supply were chosen and ordered. Beacon of Hope partners with local builders to complete their mission, which is how Highlander Roofing Services of Franklin showed up at Geyers house on June 23 to begin tearing off the damaged roof in preparation for the new one.
“By 7 p.m. that night,” Geyer said, “they had already placed the new shingles on over half the roof.”
The contest includes all the materials, labor and a lifetime warranty on the roof.
Luke Smith, owner of Highlander Roofing Services, said he was proud to be involved with the project.
“Beacon contacted us about Steve Geyer,” Smith said. “They offered us money to do the roof, but we declined.
“When we heard about the project, well, we aren’t taking money to do that. We donated the labor, and they donated the
supplies.”
The Geyers were unabashed in their gratitude.
“We treated the work crew to sub sandwiches and gave them each a restaurant gift card,” Geyer said.
He also issued a Marines-themed pocketknife to all the workers.
“Our time in uniform was our chosen profession, and we don’t expect the expressions of thanks that other citizens offer,” Geyer said. “But we do greatly appreciate it.”