There are many who inspired me to become active with YRF. One is Kathi Wallis, the director, who is essential in making all the pieces fit together. Another is Bob Talbot, who was a Catholic University coach for 42 years. He has conducted more than 40 interviews, introducing new service members to YRF and the Mentor Intern Program. Instead of coaching students, he now coaches recovering soldiers—like the young man who is two years out of high school who lost an eye in Iraq and used to play baseball. Now he goes over to Catholic University to work out with the team. And the young man who lost a hand who had done some drafting work—Bob got him some part-time work with Jack McCartney, a local architect and Catholic University grad. Bob takes them to events in town, like Wizards and Nats games.

Recently, Yellow Ribbon Fund board member Ed Quinn invited me to a meeting to discuss their need for 25 to 40 two-bedroom apartments for the families who visit the soldiers while they are recuperating. Some of these families are here for a year or more and want to be with their injured soldier. My first thought was: Why can't the government provide this housing? Good question, but in the meantime, Wagner Roofing decided to help by providing a one-bedroom apartment for one year to a military family.

I wanted to share this info with others, because the effects of the tragedies in Iraq and Afghanistan, that we read and hear about in the news every day, are what we see at Walter Reed. Every small thing that we do benefits the soldiers and their families immediately. You can make a difference in the life of an injured soldier. Check out the website at: yellowribbonfund.org.

You may ask, why is a roofer involved in all of this? Because we all need to be involved if we have the time and means to help. Two of John F. Kennedy's quotes come to mind: "The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining" and "Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do you for your country."

—Chuck Wagner