Building a Stronger Future: Owens Corning’s Commitment to Empower Veterans

Since 2018, the Gary Sinise Foundation has partnered with Owens Corning and the Owens Corning Foundation to provide life changing support for our severely wounded veterans and first responders through our custom home building program, R.I.S.E. This collaboration has grown substantially over the years, showcasing Owens Corning’s unwavering dedication to these heroes and their families.

A Strong Foundation Built on Giving

Owens Corning’s support began in 2018 with donations of roofing and insulation materials for a mortgage-free, specially adapted smart homes for U.S. Army Capt. (Ret.) Nick Vogt and quickly continued into support for three more veteran's that year, U.S. Army SSG (Ret.) Bobby Dove, U.S. Army Sgt. (Ret.) Eric Hunter, and U.S. Army Sgt. (Ret.) Legrand Strickland. Through these initial collaborations, Owens Corning was able to help restore the independence and support the empowerment of several American heroes.

The partnership has evolved over the years and through their continued contributions, Owens Corning has supported the homes of 43 heroes and counting.

More recently, the Owens Corning Foundation made a landmark donation of $250,000 to the home of U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class (Ret.) Ian Prescott and committed $1.5 million over the next five years to further expand their support. This incredible donation will be used not only to help build homes for wounded heroes through our R.I.S.E Program but will also go to support programs to uplift our Families of Fallen Heroes, and provide essential equipment to our nation’s First Responders who run towards danger every day.

Don Rettig, President of the Owens Corning Foundation, highlighted the company’s dedication to those who serve, “Owens Corning is proud to stand alongside the Gary Sinise Foundation and continue to support the brave heroes who have sacrificed so much for our country. We believe in not only providing materials for homes but also the heartfelt gratitude that goes into each project we support. We want these heroes to know how thankful we are for them and their sacrifices. We want them to know that they aren’t forgotten.”

Beyond Material Support

A unique element of this partnership is the role of Owens Corning’s Platinum Preferred Roofing Contractor and Certified Energy Expert Insulation Contractor businesses, both of whom donate their time and labor to install the roofing and insulation in each home. These contractors continually meet the highest standards of professionalism and craftsmanship, ensuring that every recipient receives a home that is not only adapted to their unique needs, but is also built to last.

As part of their $1.5 million gift, the Owens Corning Foundation allocated $250,000 towards the construction of U.S. Army Sgt. (Ret.) Joshua Hargis’ specially adapted smart home in honor of the Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractors. The Hargis family’s home was dedicated on Veteran’s Day this year and we were deeply honored to have the Owens Corning Foundation present at the dedication ceremony, where they shared in celebrating the life-changing impact of their generosity.

Take a moment to watch a short video and learn more about Joshua Hargis’ service, how his new home will help him restore independence, and to hear from the Owens Corning Foundation President, Don Rettig on what it meant to be a part of this project.

Additionally, the company’s signature program, the Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project, provides free roof replacement for veterans in need, highlighting their commitment to improving lives and supporting service families for the long-term.

By engaging their vast network of contractors, Owens Corning ensures that our veterans and first responders live in homes that are safe, durable, and adapted to their unique needs - restoring their independence and supporting their empowerment.

Looking to the Future

The partnership between the Gary Sinise Foundation and Owens Corning continues to grow stronger with each passing year, and we are immensely grateful for their support.

Gary Sinise shared his deep appreciation for the partnership, saying, “Owens Corning has been an invaluable partner in our mission to serve our nation’s heroes and their families. Their generosity has allowed us to build more homes and transform more lives. I am truly thankful and humbled by their unwavering support and their willingness to always do a little more for our country’s defenders.”

As we look forward to our continued collaboration, we are excited to see how we will continue to transform the lives of our military, first responders, and their families.

Together, we are saying thank you and building a better future for those who have sacrificed so much.