AUSA to help wounded soldier by replacing leaky roof

SANDY CREEK — Miracles come in all shapes and forms; in this case, a metal roof. But more than a miracle, this is genuine north country kindness.

Beginning at 8 a.m. today, a group of volunteers will spend the day building a roof to help out a soldier, Sgt. Curtis Dassau, who was hurt in Afghanistan while fighting with the 1st Brigade Combat Team. He is now with the 3-85 Warrior Transition Unit.

Sgt. Dassau recently bought a single-story ranch home in Sandy Creek, but he needed to put a new roof on the house in order to close on the sale. Without a new roof, he said, the bank would have tacked on thousands of dollars to his home loan.

The soldier went to Lowe’s and bought the materials needed for a new roof, knowing putting it on might be a challenge.

“I didn’t really have too much of a concern,” he said. “I figured if I couldn’t do it, I would just ask around for some help. I know how to install a roof, but it was going to take a lot of time.”

And in the north country, when the weather turns, there is not much time. The local chapter of the Association of the United States Army got wind of Sgt. Dassau’s predicament and in a matter of weeks, the leaders of the organization had a plan.

Edward A. Rogers, owner of E.A. Rogers Construction, Adams, and a corporate member of AUSA, was asked if he could lend a hand but ended up doing more than that.

Mr. Rogers is hiring his own crew to put on the roof. He said he wants to make sure the leaky shingled roof is completed efficiently.

“I said, ‘Oh, yeah, definitely. Sign me up,’” he said. “It is definitely in need of some repair. We’re going to pitch in and get things done. This is something that I know how to do; this is my best way to help out.”

AUSA President Joseph E. McLaughlin said a project this large is uncommon for the organization, but it is happy to be involved and to help. AUSA usually is involved with smaller projects, such as getting backpack care packages together for wounded soldiers. Members also have also pitched in and helped the families of wounded soldiers with travel expenses.

“This is a perfect example of how we help our wounded soldiers,” Mr. McLaughlin said. “It’s been quite a few phone calls and emails to make this happen, but people in the north country are very generous. This guy is going to be able to go ahead and start the next part of his life as a civilian in the north country.”

Sgt. Dassau said he is grateful for the outpouring of help he will receive.

“It makes me feel really proud that the Army takes care of you on and off the battle line,” he said. “I really respect what these guys are doing for me.”