A Roof for a Veteran: Charlie's Story in New Ulm
When T-10 Construction learned that Charlie Hughes, a disabled veteran in New Ulm, Minnesota, was living under a failing roof his insurance had refused to cover, founder Jay Solem said yes without hesitation. Our crew replaced the roof and water-damaged decking at no cost, giving Charlie back a safe, secure home.
Published July 29, 2025 · by T-10 Construction
On June 1, what started as a routine look at a leaking roof became one of the most meaningful projects our team has ever taken on. Our team member Travis drove out to New Ulm, Minnesota, to meet Charlie Hughes, a disabled veteran and the father of one of Travis's childhood best friends. Travis had heard about Charlie for years, but the two had never met in person. What Travis found inside changed the day completely.
What did Travis find at Charlie's home?
The damage went far beyond a few worn shingles. Water was coming in through the ceiling, leaving stains across the drywall. The roof decking felt soft underfoot, a sign that moisture had been working its way in for a long time. Outside, the shingles were falling apart, and the patches added over the years had already failed.
As Travis put it, it was one of the worst roofs he had ever stood on. But the harder part was the story behind it. Charlie's insurance company had denied his claim for a roof replacement, and without coverage or the means to pay for it himself, he was living under a structure that was no longer safe. He never complained. He explained the situation with quiet humility, which made it land even harder for everyone who heard it.
How did T-10 decide to step in?
When Travis left the house, he called T-10 founder Jay Solem and laid out the whole situation: the water damage, the denied claim, and Charlie's service. Jay did not hesitate. He said, "Absolutely. Let's do it." That single yes set everything in motion.
When Travis called to share the news, Charlie was overwhelmed, repeating, "I can't believe it," almost in tears. That kind of gratitude is the reason a job like this stays with a crew long after the last shingle is nailed down. You can read more about who we are and what drives us on our about page.
What did the roof replacement involve?
Once the crew got to work, it was clear this was more than a shingle swap. Years of water intrusion had compromised the decking, and the old patches had failed completely. Every layer they pulled back showed just how urgent the replacement had become. The team handled it the same way they would any structural job:
- Removed the failing shingles and worn-out patches down to the deck
- Replaced the soft, water-damaged decking so the new roof had a sound base
- Installed a complete new roof system built to handle Minnesota's snow, wind, and freeze-thaw winters
- Sealed up the leaks so the ceiling and interior could finally dry out
When the last shingle went on, the relief was immediate. The leaks were gone, the structure was sound, and Charlie's home was safe again. That kind of full tear-off is also what our crew does when a hailstorm or windstorm leaves a roof compromised, and it is closely tied to our storm damage repair work across the region.
Charlie's roof was not part of a formal program or a company policy. It came from a personal connection and a simple decision to do the right thing when a need was sitting right in front of us. Many veterans come home to quiet struggles most people never see, including physical disabilities, emotional scars, and financial barriers that put even essential repairs out of reach.
Supporting those who served is something T-10 has always cared about, which is why we also back veteran-focused efforts like the Wounded Warrior Project. Charlie's roof was not connected to any of that, but it came from the same place: taking care of the people who have taken care of us. A secure roof can change more than a house. It can change how safe someone feels in their own home.
New Ulm sits in southern Minnesota, where hard winters and summer storms are tough on aging roofs, and a failing one is not something a homeowner can simply wait out. If you or a neighbor in New Ulm, or anywhere across our Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa service area, is dealing with a roof like Charlie's, reach out. T-10 Construction offers free, no-pressure inspections, and we are glad to take a look and walk you through your options. Call us anytime at (612) 567-5650.