Midland roofer installs new roof for veteran as part of annual tradition

A Midland roofing company just installed a brand new roof for free for a local veteran as part of a company tradition to support those who serve our country.

On Veterans Day, Chappell Roofing announced Army veteran James Porter as its recipient of the 2022 Veteran Roof Giveaway. On Thursday, the company shared images on social media from the installation at Porter’s Midland home. The installation was led by Reyes Cepeda, who has worked with Chappell Roofing for 14 years.

In 2015, the company started giving back to West Texas veterans by donating a new roof to one. The success of that effort encouraged the owners to continue the giveaway. A half-dozen veterans have received a new roof under the program.

Chappell Roofing called out to the community to nominate veterans in May. Jeremy Chappell, owner of the Chappell Roofing, says it isn’t easy to find local veterans to support, as they tend not to ask for help. That includes Porter, a humble Midland High alum who, after the 9/11 attacks, served for a time at the Guantanamo Bay detention camp in Cuba, where Al Qaeda members were detained.

Porter expressed gratitude for the free roof, saying it’s been a stress because it’s the most expensive fix needed in the house.

Over the summer, Chappell Roofing says it installed nearly 400 roofs for customers in the Briarwood, Greathouse and Greenwood areas.

“We work hard to create not only beautiful, but strong and reliable roofing services to every customer,” the company said. “We want to put a new roof over your head. We want to keep your family safe when the weather turns for the worse.”