Heroes helping heroes

Hero Roofing saves the day for one veteran and his family following Hurricane Helene. 

The destruction of a natural disaster can create financial hardships that many families can’t afford, as was the case for Navy veteran James Bishop and his Augusta, Georgia home after Hurricane Helene last fall.  

Thankfully, there were heroes ready to help.  

Hero Roofing, founded by Nick Branon and his father in 2018, serves the South Atlanta area and provides free roofs to two nominated veterans yearly. Neither Nick nor his father has a military background, but their dedication to giving back to the community is a reward in itself.  

“It’s just an overwhelming feeling just to give back to somebody. I feel like when you give, you receive back tenfold, so that’s always meant a lot to us,” Nick told WRDW/WAGT.   

The Veterans Program was born after the 2021 Newnan tornado damaged several homes in Coweta County. Hero Roofing teamed up with GAF and ABC Supply Co. Inc., which offers the materials. 

James, a combat medic in Vietnam, was the first in Augusta to win a free roof after his daughter nominated him.  

“A guy came and looked at the house. Didn’t say a whole lot to us. The next thing I knew, he was coming back and said, ‘You’ve won this roof. We’re going to reroof your house for nothing,’” James shared. “I didn’t know how to react. I’ve never won anything, but we are doing all right now. We’re doing pretty good.” 

Fixing this roof, according to Nick, would have cost James approximately $15,000, and they aim to help even more veterans who need financial assistance. Hero Roofing’s “Roofs for Troops” program offers a $250 rebate on a new roof purchase for any active military members, veterans or retirees. 

Living up to its name, Hero Roofing proves it is the kind of company that honors and serves its community members in the best way they can — by helping those in need, one free roof at a time.    

As for James, this service provided much relief. He joked, “I just need someone now to pay for the house!” 

Image source: WRDW/WAGT