A local roofing company awarded Eugene (Geno) Mallia, Sr., a Korean War veteran, a new roof for his home in downtown Leonard, last week.
Last year, Sure Guard Roofing & Maintenance Co., Wimsatt Building Materials and GAF sought nominations for a veteran whose home was in need of a roof repair. Although they have given away roof jobs in the past to police officers or families in need, this time they were looking to specifically honor a veteran. “It is our hope that this small token of appreciation can help a family that has sacrificed so much for this great country,” the nomination form read.
The company was overwhelmed with the number of responses and had to delay choosing a winner.
“I’m just glad we’re able to help. Giving back to the community and being able to help people is important,” said Sure Guard vice-president, Dillon Saferian.
“We are a military family,” Geno said. “My wife had three brothers, and they were all in World War II. I was in Korea, my son was in Vietnam and my grandson was in Afghanistan.”
Geno, a Detroit native, was drafted into the Army as a medic in 1952. He had no prior medical experience. After basic training at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii, he served in Korea for two years.
When he came home, he got married and moved to Leonard in 1955. “My wife was born and raised in Leonard, 300 feet away from here,” he gestured. Marlene Mallia was the first female EMT in Oakland County. They both served as captains on the Addison Fire Department. Geno also worked for General Motors for thirty years.
They live in an old house. Geno thinks it was built around 1901. He said the last time the roof had been redone was probably 30 years ago. “I didn’t know this, but there were two layers of shingles up there,” he said. Below the first layer was a second layer of cedar shingles with a large gap. They are going to replace all the old wood and re-shingle the whole thing. It’s an expensive job valued at $15,000.
“I think these guys are doing a great job. They’re real professional and know what they’re doing,” he said.
Many of his neighbors nominated him because of his active community involvement. “I work with the Lakeville Cemetery auxiliary. We put on spaghetti suppers for them three times a year, we put on a big Memorial Day service up at the cemetery and I kind of co-ordinate all that. And I’m on the township fireboard,” he said. “I guess I’ve done a lot for the village, I don’t know, I didn’t think I did that much.”
Sure Guard came out to his house to interview him. Then he didn’t hear from them for a couple months. “All of a sudden I got a call that says you won the contest.”
“Thank you so much for your service. It was clear from your nominations that you have brought joy to so many around you. We are beyond blessed to be able to give back to someone who has made such a difference in our community!” Sure Guard’s announcement on Facebook said.