The words “thank you” are sometimes all you can say to those who sacrifice their own lives and families to fight for our freedom. It never seems fair to have our servicemen and women ever feel the need to thank us for anything in return, but those two words were all one Levittown resident and member of the National Guard Anthony Wevers, could say after his home was given a new roof.
Wevers, who has served in the 42nd Infantry Division band of the New York Army National Guard for 16 years with a tour to Iraq in 2005, was selected for the Roof Deployment Project, which gives a free roof to a veteran twice a week throughout the year all over the country.
“The program was created by Owens Corning Manufacturers for roofing and shingle installation,” said Steven J. DiMare, chief executive officer of Unified Window Systems Inc., who also helped in the program. “Unified is a platinum dealer for the company and I’m on the advisory board, so at our last national meeting, they came out with a roof deployment program. Owens Corning asked the platinum dealers to cover the labor, materials and to clean up the garbage.”
According to DiMare, Wevers was the company’s first veteran who 
was vetted through the process. Unified contributed all of the labor and within one day, the roof was completed with the help of 10 men.
“We did a free roof for a great family in Levittown that needed a roof done. It was a wonderful day and giving back to veterans is something that we really believe in” said DiMare. “We believe in giving back to the people that have given to us; veterans, the police and fire departments, and we work hard to do that. It was a really special day and it was wonderful to see the family get something they needed and get it as a thank you.”
As for the Wevers family, they couldn’t be more grateful, as a new roof can cost homeowners a pretty penny.
“My wife and I were shocked when we found out that we were selected for the roof deployment project. We applied during the summer with the thought that these things don’t happen to regular people,” said Wevers. “Even after Unified Window and Door called to let us know and made an appointment to come out and measure to get the process started, we were nervous they’d change their mind or find another soldier more deserving.”
Along with serving his country, Wevers teaches science at Kellenberg Memorial High School, where he also coaches the science Olympiad team. He is also a scoutmaster for Troop 87 and moderates the chess club. He continues to serve as a citizen soldier one weekend a month and two weeks during the summer.
“Teaching science in a faith atmosphere has been a fun and rewarding vocation, but my important role is dad to my two cherubs and husband to an extraordinarily supportive wife,” said Wevers. “Time away from these three has its challenges, but they are the nucleus of my life that make every task worth doing.”
When Unified arrived at the family’s Levittown home, Wevers felt over overwhelmed by gratitude and was honored to be selected for this unique program.
“I have been privileged to serve with thousands of great soldiers who are all deserving of tremendous thanks like this, so I am truly humbled by the generosity for Owens Corning and Unified Window and Door,” he said. “My family and I thank Owens Corning and Unified for blessing us with not only a new roof, but peace of mind for decades to come. It’s people like them who make putting on the uniform and time away from family easier knowing it is appreciated by so many Americans.”
For more information about the project, visit www.owenscorning.com/roofing/roofing-deployment.
