I’m always excited when I get a chance to do something nice for someone. It’s what lights me and makes my day. That happened yesterday when Shamrock Roofing and Construction gave a free roof to Frank Giles, a 93-year-old World War II Navy veteran who served on the USS Lexington. Shamrock Roofing & Construction provide roof 4 hero.
Frank said he knew something was up when his friends told him to make sure he was up early that day. But he had no idea what was coming. You see, Frank is legally blind and lives on a fixed income. His Overland Park home was in desperate need of a new roof. The old one had been leaking for some time and repairs were way overdue – in fact, his roof hadn’t been touched since 1985. Living on a fixed income makes home repairs a challenge for many people, and Frank is no exception.
When our trucks pulled up with a crew and roofing supplies, Frank was surprised, to say the least. He was also very humble. He’s not the type to ask for help, but he was certainly grateful to get it. Local TV stations were on the spot to record the moment. Frank told the KMBC 9 News team, “Maybe those guys don’t need a roof. Maybe I happened to be the one around the neighborhood that needed a roof, but I’m so thankful for it. I’m thankful. I appreciate it so much.”
Watch the surprise visit here: https://bit.ly/2qjzs0e
Frank Giles was a radar operator on the USS Lexington, an Essex-class Navy aircraft carrier, during World War II. The ship was part of the Fifth Fleet at Pearl Harbor (then called the Central Pacific Force). The Lexington participated in nearly every major operation in the Pacific Theater during World War II, destroying 372 enemy aircraft in the air, and another 475 on the ground. With a total of 21 months in combat, she sank or destroyed 300,000 tons of enemy cargo and damaged an additional 600,000 tons. The Japanese reported having sunk Lexington at least four times, but each time they were wrong. She’d soon return to the fray, earning the nickname, “The Blue Ghost.”1
Supplies were delivered to Frank’s house yesterday, and work started on the roof this morning. Frank was excited to get started. He told KSHB 41 Action News yesterday, “They’ll probably bring an extra hammer and I’ll help.”
I’m always in awe of the many brave men and women who are willing to serve our country, and I’m grateful to each and every one of them. Teaming up with Cars 4 Heroes to deliver free roofs to veterans in need makes me happy and gives me chills. I’ve never been in a position to need help myself and I like to donate, so I do it whenever I can. It’ my way of “paying it forward.” Maybe one day if I need help, people will do the same for me.
Frank Giles was nominated for a new roof by Jim Lilleston from the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, an organization that supports veterans who have fought for our country and freedoms. Shamrock Roofing and Construction gives away a free roof every quarter. If you know of a veteran or first responder who needs a new roof, you can nominate them here.
If you’re looking for a way to help this holiday season, we’re teaming up again with Cars 4 Heroes to give away 35 cars at Christmas time through the Cars 4 Christmas campaign. More information can be found here.
1https://usslexington.com/about-the-uss-lexington/the-ship/
