Deck for a Soldier Project 2011 – Minnesota
Minnesota National Guard Staff Sergeant Todd Everson of Prior Lake, Minnesota was thrilled to be the recipient of a new professionally designed and built deck in May 2011. The deck was gifted to him through the Minnesota chapter of the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) and its Deck for a Soldier (D4S) campaign. What he wasn’t expecting, was having NADRA volunteers making a return visit so soon after it was built!
After the May 28th ribbon cutting ceremony, Everson, a decorated Iraq veteran, was looking forward to enjoying a beautiful Minnesota summer with his family on their new deck. Unfortunately, only a month after the deck was built, lightning struck the Everson’s home, damaging the new deck, including the stairs, railings and lighting system. “We were so surprised and thrilled to get this wonderful deck at the beginning of the summer,” Everson said. “It was an incredible addition to our home and became a special place for our family, so we were completely shocked when it was damaged by lightning so soon after it was built.”
Todd contacted Pat Noonan of O’Noonan Construction, President of Minnesota’s NADRA chapter and chairman of the Deck for a Soldier committee, who organized the construction of the original deck. Noonan didn’t hesitate to repair the deck back to its original condition. Due to additional lightning damage to the house, the insurance company covered costs for the deck repair.
“Every one of the suppliers who generously donated all of the material only a month before, also offered to donate any materials needed to repair the damage,” Noonan said. “It was great to see this community rally again for a great cause.”
Joining Together on a Tight Deadline
NADRA MN pulled off an unbelievable timeline for the project in order to make it possible for Todd and his family to celebrate his service to his country, and a new deck, on Memorial Day. “We announced Todd as the winner on May 11th and the permit was issued on May 20th,” Noonan said. “Since the ribbon cutting ceremony was scheduled for May 28th, Memorial Day weekend, we had our work cut out for us!”
In just seven days, O’Noonan Construction, Decks by Joe, Jigsaw Builders and John Ford Construction built a beautiful 18’ x 15’ deck with angled corners and landing. Other features include TimberTech XLM decking with an inlay and border pattern, Radiance Rail with 30+ LV lights and a new patio door. “Building this deck in seven days was unreal, and if it wasn’t for the incredible craftsmanship and dedication of our builders, it never would have happened,” Noonan said.
Honoring a True Hero
In 2006, Everson’s convoy was traveling two miles southwest of Fallujah, Iraq, when it was hit by a roadside bomb. Everson rushed into danger and is credited with saving the life of his comrade. A true hero, Todd was awarded the Minnesota Medal of Valor, Bronze Star, and Combat Lifesaver award. One of the soldier’s lives he saved is now a Minnesota State House Representative.
“Despite my severe injuries and extensive blood loss, I survived because of the first aid performed by Everson and his team,” the soldier said. “Although we had no medics with us on this convoy, Todd performed flawlessly with no room for error in a hostile area and without regard for his own well-being. I am alive today and able to raise my family because of this fine soldier.”
Noonan said that this project is one of the best experiences of his career. “From the beginning, we were so thrilled to build a deck that Todd and his family could enjoy,” he said. “He’s such a humble and amazing guy who deserves appreciation for everything he’s done.”
About NADRA:
Deck builders and product manufacturers alike raised concerns at the 2004 DeckExpo over the compatibility of new generation wood treatments and fasteners. As a result, many realized the need for a unified industry voice. NADRA is that voice. The association is now in its seventh year as a 501(c)6 not-for-profit corporation.
NADRA Mission Statement:
The mission of the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) is to provide a unified source for the professional development, promotion, growth, and sustenance of the Deck and Railing building industry in North America so that members can exceed the expectations of their customers.
NADRA Members:
NADRA is made up of deck builders, manufacturers, dealers/distributors, wholesalers, lumber yards, retailers, and service providers to the deck and railing industry. By working together we can be one voice for the industry and deliver a clear message to the consumer and the code development bodies. NADRA serves as a trade association with emphasis on safe building practices, and deck safety.
Special Thanks to the NADRA MN Members for their tireless effort and support of our chapters very first D4S build!
The Enlisted:
- Shelter Products
- Decks Direct
- Deck and Door Co.
- Jigsaw Builders
- Stork Testing
- Simpson Strong Tie
- Abertsons and Associates – Decking and railing donation
- Decks by Joe
- John Ford Construction
- Diamond Pier Footings
- EverFlashing
- Shaw Stewart Lumber
- Viance
- Shaw Stewart Lumber
- TimberTech Decking – Decking and railing donation
Deck for a Soldier Project 2011 – Western WA
The “Enlisted”:
- BHD Construction, LLC
- Screw Products, Inc.
- Fiberon
Deck for a Soldier Project 2011 – New England
The Enlisted:
- Building Services
- Lenzi Construction and Remodeling, LLC
- Corbo Construction
- Fiberon
- Fasten Master
- BB&S Treated Lumber of New England
- Trex
- Wolf
- Harvey Building Products
- TAMKO Building Products
- Friend Lumber & Building Centers
- ICS Plant Specialist – Atlantis Rail Systems
- Madhouse T-Shirt Designs, LLC
- Latitudes Decking + Railing
- Deckorators
- Azek
- Trex Outdoor Furniture
- Pistone Trash
- Culinary Creations – Burlington, MA
Deck for a Soldier Project 2011 – New Jersey
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 18, 2011
NJ NADRA CHAPTER WORKING ON DECK FOR A SOLDIER™
Monroe Township, NJ – The North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) created the Deck for a Soldier™ program in 2007 as a way to give back to the men and women of our armed forces. The members of NADRA wanted to express their appreciation for the service and dedication of those whom serve our country.
The NADRA NJ Chapter formed in 2008 and is in the process of building their fourth annual Deck for a SoldierTM. Construction is currently underway in Monroe Township to provide a ramp and deck for Lance Corporal Colin Pascik. In late August 2010, Pascik, a two-year veteran of the United States Marine Corp, was wounded by an improvised explosive device while serving his country proudly in Afghanistan. His injuries resulted in the amputation of both legs, one below the knee and one above the knee. Pascik continues his recovery at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and will soon be transferred to the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. NADRA is working on the ramp and deck while the VFW Post 262 renovates the family home to accommodate Pascik when he returns home in the near future.
NADRA New Jersey Builder Member and the general contractor for this Deck for a SoldierTM project, Martin Coffey of Pro Deck Remodeler jumped at the chance to take on this build, “There is no question whether I will help out a fellow Marine!.” Close to forty volunteers from the New Jersey Chapter are donating labor, materials, tools, trucks, and even food and water. Even the local stores have come by offering to help out, such as Papa A Pizza whom has lent their parking lots and made sure the volunteers were fed! Even neighbors driving by stop in bringing water and offering to buy lunch!
“It is a humbling experience. It is only with the help of everyone involved can we make these projects happen”, states Lainie Sleppin, at Mid-State Lumber Corporation and VP of the NJ NADRA Chapter.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Monroe Central Post 262 has bestowed upon Colin a Life Membership in the VFW and has started a “Road to Recovery” fund on his behalf.
Monroe residents and others wishing to assist Colin may contribute to the fund below:
VFW Post 262
Colin Pascik Road to Recovery Fund
120 Monmouth Road
Monroe Twp, NJ 08831
www.vfwpost
262.org
www.colinpascik.org
732 251-1839
About NADRAThe North American Deck and Railing Association, Inc is a 501(c)6 not-for-profit corporation. NADRA serves as a unified source for the professional development, promotion, growth, and sustenance of the Deck and Railing building industry in North America. NADRA helps the consumer by providing information on deck safety, design, and products through the website, by responding to consumer inquiries, and through public relations campaigns such as its Deck Safety Month® Program and its Merit Award Program. The association offers educational resources for both industry professionals and consumers, and is continually developing new programs and initiatives to further serve these audiences. For more information on Deck Safety Month, the Check Your Deck program and finding a reputable deck builder, visit www.nadra.org or call 888-NADRA 4 U.
For additional information, please contact:
Michael Beaudry
Executive Vice President of NADRA
888-623-7248
Info@NADRA.org
The Enlisted:
- FastenMaster
- Fiberon
- Mid State Lumber Corp
- My Deck LLC
- Myles F. Kelly
- NADRA HQ
- Niece Lumber
- Parksite
- Phoenix Manufacturing Inc.
- Railing Dynamics Inc.
- Screw Products
- Starborn
- Techno Metal Post
- Trex
- Universal Consumer Products, Inc
- Windward Sales
- Wolf Distributing
