"Joe, I've got a veteran here who you may be able to help." - Glen Bailey

In the small town of Perris, Kentucky, 101-year-old World War II veteran Albert Wess Sr. encountered a significant obstacle while shopping for home insurance. Companies quoted astronomical premiums due to the deteriorated state of his aging roof, which required replacement. The man who once served his country as part of the Red Ball Express, a truck convoy system created to quickly supply Allied forces moving through Europe after the D-Day landings in 1944, found himself feeling pressured to replace a roof that was not currently leaking.

Local insurance agent Glen Bailey learned of Mr. Wess's situation when the veteran approached him for better insurance rates. Moved by his story, Bailey got in touch with his friend Joe Kremer, who, together with business partner Matt Donohoe, owns Madewell Restoration in Covington, Kentucky.

Joe immediately knew he wanted to help in any way he could. He drove to meet with Mr. Wess to review the project, ultimately knowing he would deliver the news: his roof would be replaced at no cost. Once Mr. Wess informed his family, His concerned and skeptical granddaughter reached out to Joe to ask further questions but quickly realized this was a genuine act of kindness and gave the green light for the project. The veteran, who had faced hardships throughout his life—from being separated from his twin sister at a young age to struggling to find employment after his military service—was overcome with gratitude.

A Challenge Met with Community Support

The roof presented significant challenges. It had four layers: the original wood shake and three layers of asphalt shingles. This meant a complete overhaul was needed to safeguard Mr. Wess’s home, from removing the old roofing materials to completely replacing the decking and installing new shingles.

On Veterans Day, Joe's on-site supervisor, Trent, showed up to start the job while Joe waited to ensure no extra supplies were needed. In a small town where word travels fast, what began as a quiet act of service was met with support. The community rallied around the project. One member donated a dumpster to haul away debris, while others shared stories of Mr. Wess. Noticing the weathered flagpole at the home, the community came together, with Pat Conley from the Bourbon County Citizen leading the effort to gather supplies. This enabled Joe to install a new flag, ensuring Mr. Wess could proudly fly his American flag.

Among the many touching moments, one stood out. During the project, Mr. Wess received a call from a member of the French Legion, who personally thanked him for his service—a reminder of his global impact.

A Rekindled Sense of Hope

Reflecting on the experience, Joe Kremer shared this: "Don't wait for the perfect time to do something good."

The project not only provided Mr. Wess with a secure roof but also renewed a sense of pride and togetherness in the community. For a town still recovering from the loss of their local roofer in a tragic accident, it served as a reminder of resilience and the importance of neighbors helping neighbors.