Veterans Day Came Early: Cantigny VFW Post Gets New Roof Donated

JOLIET, IL - The Cantigny VFW Post 367 was in a rough position. Winter is around the corner, and the building was experiencing an old, leaky roof. The cost to fix the roof was totaling about $15,000, which just wasn’t in the budget.

With Veterans Day coming up, the Joliet community was certainly thinking about the veterans who call Cantigny home.

When Post Commander Lou Smith contacted Joliet District 1 Councilman Larry Hug regarding the terrible condition of the roof, Councilman Hug went into action. He contacted the Three Rivers Construction Alliance Executive Director, Tom White, in addition to Will-Grundy Building Trades President, Doc Gregory and Local #11 Business Manager, Gary Menzel. Together, they put together a plan to help the community’s beloved veterans.

“It was important to me to do this for the veterans who have done so much for the rest of us,” said Councilman Hug.

At the end of roofing season, more than thirty roofers showed up to Cantigny on October 27 to volunteer their time and efforts to install the roofing materials, which were donated through the Construction Alliance. By November 2, the new roof was installed.

“Our dreams have come true through the general donations of everyone who came out,” said Commander Smith.

The Post, in the iconic Horseshoe Drive building, has been a staple in the Joliet community for decades, hosting events including wedding receptions, private parties and more. Thanks to the community’s generosity, the Post will be around for decades to come.

Images via Commander Lou Smith