Deck for a Soldier®

NADRA’s Atlanta, GA Chapter is currently wrapping up their 2012 D4S build! The chapter is working side-by-side with Operation Homefront.

A little bit about the Soldier and his family: (Winning entry essay)

My wife and I have been married for seven years now and we bought our first home almost three years ago. We spent almost four years stationed in northern Virginia and moved back to Georgia in late 2007. In early 2008 I was recalled and sent to personnel retrieval and processing company from which I was deployed in late 2008. In March 2009, I returned from my deployment and we were able to finally buy our first home. As you are able to see from the pictures of our deck we really don’t have much of a deck. Our home was built in the early 1990’s making our home over 20 years old. I honestly believe the current deck is just as old as our home and prior to us moving into our house almost three years ago it doesn’t look like it received the care it needed. While I was in Iraq I received some injuries which limit me from doing basic maintenance to our home. If something needs to be done and I am unable to find someone to help me; I have to find a contractor to do it. Sometimes this can be pretty costly. My wife and I were going to replace the deck last year and then we found out we were going to have our first child, needless to say our priorities changed a little. I think if we were selected to receive such a wonderful gift we would greatly appreciate it as well as benefit from it. The current deck is very small and barely fits a grill on it making it very hard to have anyone sit out on the deck and enjoy each other company outdoors. We also think some of the wood is rotten making the deck a little unstable. A new deck would provide a safe and fun place to entertain and enjoy our home. We plan on making this our home for a while so we will eventually replace the deck when we are able to afford it. We would really love to be considered for a new deck this would definitely be something we would never forget.

The Enlisted:

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:

Deck for a Soldier Project 2011 – Western WA

The “Enlisted”:

Deck for a Soldier Project 2011 – New England

The Enlisted:

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:

July 3rd marked the ribbon cutting ceremony on the just completed Deck for a Soldier (D4S) project through the NADRA Maryland Chapter. About 45 people were in attendance, including military personnel, volunteers and the family of National Guard Staff Sgt. Brian Daughters.

NADRA Board Member, Ray Steward of RWS DECKS, Inc. (Towson, Maryland) was general contractor for the project and was on hand for the ribbon cutting, along with Michael Beaudry, NADRA’s Executive Vice President. “The effort we’ve put into this pales in comparison to the effort service men and women make on our behalf every day,” said Steward.

Steward coordinated volunteers from the Maryland Chapter to obtain everything from labor, permits, materials, and other items like arranging for portable toilet, dumpster, and catering for the July 3rd unveiling. Dave Lombardo, (NADRA Maryland Chapter member) of American Decks volunteered time to cut and set the stringers for a semi-circular waterfall staircase. Bill Hensley, also of American Deck, did the risers and tread for that staircase, and according to Steward “cussed Dave L. the whole time” (Sorry Dave, take it up with Bill…). A good natured group of volunteers from the Maryland Chapter, including Steward’s RWSDECKS crew built the deck, estimated at $20,000 in value, in six days.

The Daughters were chosen through a selection process conducted by the National Guard and NADRA, that included three criteria: the soldier’s story, location of the home, and its suitability for a deck project.

Of the NADRA Maryland Chapter, Steward said that he was absolutely floored that so many members immediately stepped up to donate time and materials for this project. “At our inaugural meeting in May, I proposed that we do this project, thinking that it would be a great first event for a newly formed chapter. The work on D4S for the Daughters has been tremendously unifying for our chapter. Who can’t stand behind this cause?”

Want to know more? Click HERE for televised coverage.

Click HERE for the story published in the Maryland Gazette

Many thanks to the Maryland Chapter for Donating Time and Materials!

Materials Donations from:

• Complete framing package – Will of T.W. Perry
• 32 80lb. bags Concrete – Stock Building Supply
• 4 tons of #57 white marble stone – Snavely Forest Products
• Dumpster and Porta-Potty – T.W. Ellis
• Low voltage lighting package – American Deck franchise
• Grill – Timbertech
• Deck Furniture including umbrella – Lowes
• Landscape materials (mulch and plantings) – Parksite (formerly known as PPW)
• Catering for ribbon cutting – American Deck – D.C. Metro
• Beverages – American Deck Bayside
• Hardscape materials (pavers and lattice skirt on deck) – Leisure Specialties
• Logoed T-Shirts – Trex (donated the lions share) (but also co-op dollars of $500 each from Probuilt, RWSDECKS, and Snavely
• Concrete – Stock Building Materials
• Decking Trex Escapes Acorn (new type) – Snavely Forest Products (with Co-op Trex dollars through Alan Butterfield)
• White vinyl railings called Endurance – Snavely Forest Products (with Co-op RDI dollars)
• White vinyl trim – Azek through Parksite

The “Enlisted” volunteer labor:

• RWSDECKS,Inc. crew, lead by Ray Steward (demolition and general construction)
• American Deck, Inc. (staircase)
• American Deck Northwest – (staircase)
• Elite Decks and Outdoor Living (footings)
• American Deck Bayside (framing)

NADRA launched its Deck For a Soldier™ program in 2007 when an inquiry came across the NADRA website. Sergeant Thomas placed an inquiry to NADRA member, Sawdust, Ltd. Of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma through www.NADRA.org, in anticipation of scheduling a deck build when she returned home. Here, the idea of building a “Deck for a Soldier™” was born. This is a community effort that expresses our appreciation for the service and dedication of the men and women of our armed forces.