Vietnam vet and author Larry Rottmann thankful for new donated roof
As a crew of roofers painstakingly ripped the faded shingles from the top of Larry Rottmann's home on Wednesday, the decorated Vietnam veteran fought an urge.
Rottmann, 80, repaired the roof himself after Springfield's 2007 ice storm and has long kept up with the maintenance and inviting appearance of the Midtown house. His backyard water feature was crafted by his own hands.
The Bronze and Purple Star recipient and former college journalism instructor wanted to scale a ladder and help out the young men of Southern Roofing during their charitable renovation, but deferred to safety and Father Time.
"I want to be up there and working with them but it's not a good idea anymore," said Rottman, who taught at Ozarks Technical College and Missouri State. "You realize at some point in life, you need a helping hand."
The Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project eased the process.
Working in concert with Habitat for Humanity of Springfield and Support Our Troops, the national roofing project is geared toward aiding veterans, strengthening their morale and showing gratitude for their service.
When the project was complete — the sizable roof was stripped and rebuilt in a matter of hours — it was Rottmann who was grateful.
His 119-year-old home was left with better weather protection and a more youthful glow.
"It makes me feel almost uncomfortable, because now there's some vets in the neighborhood who can use some help," Rottmann said. "Many vets also need this help and I'd like to see a program where all veterans who need a roof can get one."
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Rottmann applied for the service last year and submitted an essay before learning he was selected. Three others in the area will also get a new roof, according to Kurt Jentzsch of the local Habitat for Humanity chapter.
Jentzsch was happy for Rottmann, an active outdoorsman who carries a more youthful disposition than his octogenarian label suggests.
"He's a great person, a good member of the community and this is something he deserves," Jentzsch said.
Rottmann, an ex-Army lieutenant who railed against the Vietnam war and testified before Congress, has written books about his experience in the conflict and returned to the country several times.
His 52-minute film "Voices from Vietnam" has been another one of his passion projects in recent years. Much of his time is spent reading, writing and sharing stories at Big Momma's, where he is a fixture of the Commercial Street coffee shop.
"I just often see things that other don't see," Rottmann. "I'll hear something, and want to know about it. With Vietnam, I keep going back to Vietnam to meet and talk to people, who have stories about their lives I want to hear."
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Charitable program replaces roof of Springfield Vietnam vet
