JM Insulation Systems Provides New Insulation for U.S. Army Veteran’s Home
Jun. 01, 2024
A disabled US Army veteran and his family will have warmer winters and cooler summers in Texas from now on, thanks to Johns Manville’s participation in a national home renovation television program.
Military Makeover with Montel® Williams reached out to the Johns Manville Insulation Systems marketing team to invite JM to serve as an insulation partner in renovating a military veteran’s home, an opportunity the team jumped at, said Molly Morrow, associate marketing manager.
Carlos Colón-Ruiz, a 43-year-old veteran in Arlington, Texas, who is a single father, needed an insulation update for his 20-year-old home, among other repairs. While the home had adequate wall insulation, the attic needed to be brought up to code, and JM stepped in to help. Insulation was also installed above the garage.
“Most people think about the extreme heat in Texas summers, but often forget that parts of the state, including the Dallas area, can experience extreme cold in the winter as well,” Molly said. “With these insulation upgrades, the Colon-Ruiz family should stay comfortable year-round.”
Puerto Rico-born Carlos Colón-Ruiz moved to the continental U.S. with the goal of serving in the United States military, eventually becoming part of the 1/506th INF – one of the most recognized units in the United States due to its popularity in the HBO series, “Band of Brothers.”
During a tour of duty in Afghanistan, a rocket-propelled grenade exploded in his Humvee, which caused him to suffer several serious injuries. His injuries include loss of sight in one eye, hearing impairment, loss of two fingers and two paralyzed fingers. Colón-Ruiz is also completely deaf in his left ear while his right ear is only 50 percent functional. He was subsequently awarded the Purple Heart medal, which is presented to service members who have been wounded or killed as a result of enemy action while serving in the U.S. military.
Johns Manville Dallas Territory Manager Pete Wenger was instrumental in the process, ensuring the home’s need for insulation and meeting with the Ruiz family and discussing the home’s insulation needs.
“The existing attic had an approximate R15 blown insulation which was likely the code requirement when the home was built,” said Territory Manager Pete Wenger. “We recommended bringing the attic up to the current Texas code which was R38.”
Partnering with Builders Insulation, a local contractor, JM donated blown-in product and saw the insulation installed during a 98-degree day, complete with 90 percent humidity.
“Builders Insulation has a great reputation of contributing and supporting the local markets that they serve and certainly did so for the Ruiz Family,” Pete said. “They donated the labor and assets necessary to reinsulate the attic and garage at no charge.“
“Meeting and talking with Carlos Colón-Ruiz was a very special moment for me that I will never forget,” Pete said. “I have a daughter in the military and understand the sacrifices that military personnel make every day. The sacrifices (he) made for our country were very evident when I met him and easily identifiable. Regardless of his battle scars, I could easily tell he loved our country and was determined to go on with his life in a prideful way. Colón-Ruiz exemplifies the best of our country, and I am grateful for being involved in this special project.”
The updated insulation is expected to reduce the family’s heating and cooling costs by as much as 50 percent.
“I love being a part of a company that is so passionate about helping others,” Molly added. “It was an honor to be a part of bettering the life of somebody who deserves it.”