I recently read letters that my mother wrote to my father when he was in Italy during World War II, and I came across the one that is featured on the back of this newsletter. While my father was overseas, my mother kept Wagner Roofing running, while raising my brother and me as a single mom. I realized how many parallels there are between wartime back then and wartime today, when there are similar scenarios being played out all across the country. It reminded me, as I am reminded so often these days, that supporting our troops when they come home is critical to their future—and to ours.

Wagner Roofing is proud to have worked on building the National Intrepid Center of Excellence (covered in this newsletter). The Intrepid is our second job with Turner Construction on facilities that help our wounded troops. The first one was the Walter Reed Amputee Training Center, in March 2007. With both projects, the goal was to complete the facility as soon as possible so our vets could receive treatment. And with both, Turner and the subcontractors were recognized by the Army Corps of Engineers for speed of construction.

At a recent Yellow Ribbon Fund function, I had the opportunity to meet several injured soldiers, who have been recuperating at Walter Reed. One of the soldiers, Ramon, now mentors returning troops. He plays golf with a prosthetic left arm, but that didn’t stop him from out-driving Tiger Woods at the AT&T National in July. He drove 240 yards down the middle—Tiger drove much farther but not in the fairway.

Every interaction with a wounded soldier is another story of inspiration. My mother taught me the importance of supporting our troops, and today, I encourage every one of you to think about how you can do so—whether it’s through a monetary donation to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund or Yellow Ribbon Fund, a donation of goods/services to these organizations, volunteer work or job placement support for returning vets. After we’ve seen them go through hardship and pain, let’s come together to help make their holidays merry.