A Roof Deployment Story for a Hero in Need

The power of community and the spirit of giving came together recently when a group of dedicated professionals joined forces to provide a new roof for a deserving veteran in need. With unwavering determination and heartfelt generosity, the community rallied behind this noble cause, showing tangible appreciation for the sacrifices made by our veterans and their families. Through these collaborative efforts, Rhino-Back Roofing was able to help transform a leaking, deteriorating roof into a secure and comfortable shelter, ensuring that this veteran can now enjoy a safe and worry-free home. Good things can be achieved when kind-hearted individuals come together for a common purpose, leaving a lasting impression on the veteran, the workers, and the entire community.

Remarkable testimonies happen when businesses from different sectors selflessly unite to contribute their respective skills and resources to perform acts of benevolence for individuals and families suffering from significant hardship. For the giver, generosity is its own reward.


In communities across America, local businesses routinely come together to support public charities, sponsor nonprofit organizations, donate to fundraisers, and volunteer their time. These collaborative efforts demonstrate meaningful ways to impact the lives of others.


Veteran Benefits From Receiving A New Roof

Gary and Laura Sherwood reside in Torrington, Connecticut, a former mill town along the Naugatuck River Valley. Homeowners take pride in this thriving community’s celebrated history and promising future. The Sherwood Family is honored to call Torrington their long-time home.



As a retired U.S. Marine servicemember, Gary courageously served his country with distinction. 

Today, the Sherwood Family owns a home in Torrington. Their home’s roof had become dilapidated due to an unfortunate set of circumstances. Unable to allocate sufficient resources to its repair or replacement. 

Partnering Together To Change Lives

As America’s foremost and acclaimed roofing supplier, Owens Corning is known for manufacturing the highest quality roofing materials in the industry, including shingles, insulation, and fiberglass composites. They offer a myriad of solutions for building and remodeling needs.

Since 2016, Owens Corning has aligned with its network of Platinum Preferred Roofing Contractors and nonprofit organizations to change lives through the Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project. This worthy endeavor connects qualified roofing contractors with veterans in need.

At the heart of this program are philanthropically-minded roofing contractors graciously volunteering their time, resources, and expertise to address the unmet needs of veterans requiring roofing services. Owens Corning often donates the roofing materials for these projects.

Between 2016 and 2023, over 500 US military veterans (across 41 states) have benefited from the Roof Deployment Project. The total estimated value of roofing services rendered exceeds $5 million. More than 300 roofing contractors nationwide have voluntarily participated.

United As One For A Worthy Cause

For veterans requesting a roof repair or replacement, Owens Corning has partnered with Purple Heart Homes to help them qualify for the Roof Deployment Project. Purple Heart Homes carefully reviews each application and approves select projects based on need.

Purple Heart Homes employs a hands-on approach to providing services to veterans. Their objective is to make a meaningful and lasting personal connection with each veteran they come across. The Roof Deployment Project happens to align closely with their vision.

Following application approval, Owens Corning connects Purple Heart Homes with a contractor in the Platinum Preferred Roofing Contractor Network. The contractor is then brought into contact with the veteran. From there, a unique relationship is established.

Positively Impacting Lives Through Generosity



After meeting with Gary and Laura (and facilitating a thorough inspection of their home), Rhino-Back Roofing realized that removing the existing roof and installing a new one was the only viable solution. The holes in the roof were too large to repair reasonably.


As part of the overall roof replacement effort, it quickly became apparent that a full plywood overlay would need to be a part of the equation. Broken trusses also required restoration, in addition to installing new gutters and asphalt shingles.

While evaluating the roof, Rhino-Back employees noted the need for other home improvements. They eagerly pitched in to do yard work, powerwash the home, complete necessary painting projects, and replace the deteriorating garage door with a new one.


A local ABC Supply Co. Inc. distributor willingly donated roofing materials to the construction project. Collins & Co., a local insulation, garage door, gutter, and shelving and storage contractor in East Windsor, CT, graciously supplied new gutters free of charge.

Going The Extra Mile To Leave A Lasting Impression




As anyone who has fallen on hard times knows, acts of kindness can change lives for the better, and the experience leaves you wanting to pay it forward. Often these acts transform neighborhoods and communities into environments where everyone feels welcome, valued, and appreciated.


 Through the Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project, the lives of one exceptional family were improved beyond measure. However, each business involved (including the employees within those businesses) also benefited immensely from this unforgettable experience.

As Gunner Smith, Roofing Business President at Owens Corning, eloquently stated, “Veterans are our nation’s heroes, and we owe them our gratitude. Our Roof Deployment Project makes a real difference for veterans and their families, demonstrating that we have not forgotten the incredible sacrifices they have made for our nation’s freedom. We are humbled to partner with our Platinum Preferred network of contractors to be able to make the lives of veterans safer and easier by giving them a solid roof over their heads.”

At Rhino-Back Roofing, we wholeheartedly agree. We were honored to work with many other businesses to give back to someone who has given so much. If you are in need of a roof replacement, contact Rhino-Back today. If you know a veteran in need of roof repair or replacement, encourage them to apply for the Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project to see if they qualify.

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Definitely recommend Rhino-Back Roofing for your roofing needs!

Mike and his team were extremely helpful at solving our complex roofing needs, (flat leaking roof with very poor drainage). They worked exceptionally well with our schedule and put our needs first and foremost. The job was completed extremely fast and efficiently and beyond our expectations. The best part is everything is the warranty is for much longer than we ever expected. Definitely recommend Rhino-Back Roofing for your roofing needs!

MATTHEW & DANIELLE L. - WEATHERLY ROAD, SIMSBURY, CT
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Couldn't have gone better

Well done, done quickly, and at a fair price. Thoroughly cleaned up after themselves. Good communication and friendly service.This Canton CT Roofing couldn't have gone better.

JON PAUL B. - DOWD AVE, CANTON, CT