Local contractors present new roof to veteran in need

By Hannah Ford. 

These roofers offered support to a veteran while he helped his granddaughter as she battled leukemia.  

Bruce Suggs, a hard-working veteran living in Cook County, Illinois, had an old roof in need of replacement. To fix this issue, many companies joined together to replace Bruce’s roof for free during a trying time in his life. "It was like winning the lottery," Bruce said to Fox 32. "It was unbelievable."  

Over the past several decades, Bruce has had an inspiring career. He spent six years in the Air Force and served actively in the Gulf War. After his service, he worked for fifteen years at the Will County Sheriff’s Office. Bruce had spent his entire life helping others and with conjoined efforts from several roofers, the community was able to give back to him.  

During October 2023, Bruce’s eleven-year-old granddaughter, Jenesis, was diagnosed with leukemia. She was living with Bruce and his wife and receiving chemotherapy. The home they were all living in was beginning to break down while Jenesis was undergoing treatment. There was a leaky roof, flooding when the weather was stormy and freezing temperatures would cause a chill to enter the house. While so busy with caring for Jenesis, Bruce didn’t have the bandwidth to begin major renovations to the house. Instead, he wrote a letter to Habitat for Humanity asking for help. Bruce explained in the letter, "We just wanted some aid and assistance, so we could make a nice life for her. For our kids." 

Bruce’s request was answered, and in partnership with Habitat for Humanity and the Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project, Bruce was given a new roof for free. The roofing company Total Roofing and Construction came to his house and began to tear off the shingles and gutters.  

Owens Corning has provided materials for veterans in need since 2016 and has helped build over 500 military homes. "Whenever Owens Corning comes to us with this opportunity — we do a couple a year for them," commented Eric Gess, a spokesman for Total Roofing and Construction. "And who more deserving to give back to than our veterans who have served our country?" The job was estimated to cost upwards of $20,000, a daunting sum for a veteran with medical bills to pay. Bruce was relieved after the kind services the companies provided. "That’s a true testament of the commitment Habitat for Humanity has for veterans. And it’s beautiful and it’s needed," said Bruce. "And I’m sure I can speak on behalf of other vets who have received this service that we are beyond words of gratitude." 

Image Source: Fox 32