New roof for a deserving vet
A Decatur veteran received a new roof March 27 from Purple Heart Home Inc., Eagle Watch Roofing and Owens Corning Platinum Contractors, as gratitude for his service.
“They sacrificed more than we ever can so we’re just trying to help them however we can,” Justin West, president of Eagle Watch Roofing, Inc. said. “It’s the right thing to do.”
Alfred Brownlee, who received the new roof, was enlisted in the U.S. Air Force from 1979-1984. While serving in Japan, Brownlee developed the neurological illness myasthenia gravis that causes weakness in the skeletal muscles.
After transitioning back to civilian life, Brownlee worked for AT&T as a technician until he was unable to work in 2004. The now 59-year-old Brownlee is unable to perform tasks such as bathing and dressing and he has no short-term memory capacity, according to Purple Heart Home Inc.
“Mr. Brownlee is in need of a new roof and a foundation fix and it is our pleasure to partner with the Owens Corning Roof Deployment project to make it happen,” said John Gallina, co-founder and chief executive officer of Purple Heart Homes Inc. “Fixing the roof and the foundation will create a safe environment for Mr. Brownlee, so he can remain comfortably in his own home for years to come.”
Most of Brownlee’s family has military background. His grandfather served in World War I, five of Brownlee’s uncles served in World War II and the Korean War and five of his brothers served in the Vietnam War and Desert Storm, according to Owens Corning Platinum Contractors.
Eagle Watch Roofing Inc., a locally based Owens Corning Platinum roofing company, installed the new roof as part of Owens Corning National Roof Deployment Project. Work began on the new roof March 27 and was finished the same day.
The project is a nationwide effort to show veterans gratitude for their service. The roofing project started in 2016 and more than 100 military members have received new roofs.
Brownlee was selected by Purple Heart Home Inc., to receive the repairs.
