Tim Nicotra, a devoted veteran from Pennsylvania, experienced a profound sense of gratitude and disbelief after winning a brand-new roof through a local initiative aimed at honoring military personnel. Nicotra, who dedicated 22 years of his life to serving in the U.S. Navy, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, and Pennsylvania Air National Guard, faced mounting challenges in repairing the leaky roof of his home, built in the 1940s. For several years, the financial burden of these repairs had weighed heavily on him and his family, creating a daunting situation that left them feeling stuck.
Encouraged by his wife, Jennifer, Tim decided to apply for the Roofs for the Red, White and Blue program, launched by Burns & Scalo Roofing in September. As the deadline approached, the couple submitted their application but remained uncertain about the outcome. Burns & Scalo received ten applications but ultimately narrowed it down to three finalists. Ultimately, Nicotra was chosen as the winner after the selection committee learned about his impressive military background, including his immediate enlistment out of high school, service aboard the USS Saratoga, and his role in working on AH-1 Cobra helicopters. His service, which concluded after 16 years in the state’s Air National Guard due to a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis, made him a compelling candidate for the campaign.
When Tim received the joyful news from Burns & Scalo Roofing’s vice president, Adam Galis, he was caught off guard, almost missing the call while out shopping with his family. “You could’ve knocked me over with a feather,” he recalled, expressing his astonishment about winning the contest. His initial reaction perplexed his wife, Jennifer, as she struggled to grasp the magnitude of his announcement. This moment marked a significant turning point in their lives, one that Nicotra described as “the biggest and best thing that’s happened to us in quite a while.”
The company’s dedication to honoring Tim’s service extended beyond the roof replacement itself; they coordinated with their material suppliers to provide construction resources valued at around $25,000. Galis expressed his pride in being able to make a meaningful difference in the life of a veteran who had served his country dedicatively since high school. This initiative not only transformed Tim’s home but also inspired Galis to consider supporting another veteran with a roof donation in the coming year.
When the installation of the new roof took place in November, Tim received the workmen with genuine appreciation. He noted the professionalism and courtesy of the roofing team during the installation process, remarking on the emotional weight of the moment. After years of enduring the distress of leaks and potential damage to his home, the relief that accompanied the completion of the roof was palpable. “It still hasn’t sunk in yet. And it’s amazing knowing I’m not going to hear, ‘Dad, there’s water coming from the ceiling,’” Nicotra expressed, encapsulating his overwhelming sense of gratitude.
In the aftermath of this incredible experience, Tim Nicotra’s story highlights the profound impact that community initiatives like Roofs for the Red, White and Blue can have on the lives of veterans and their families. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by individuals in service of their country and underscores the importance of giving back to those who have given so much. Tim’s gratitude reflects a heartfelt acknowledgment of both the tangible and emotional benefits derived from the generosity of local businesses and the community’s support for veterans.