03-04-2025
West Point-inspired team helps Norfolk family
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — With precision and passion, a team from Gray Line Roofing and Solar responded to Veda Fulford's 105-year-old home in the Park Place section of Norfolk.
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'It's yet another example of what it means when you respond to an area,' said Darren Joyce, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and co-owner of Gray Line Roofing and Solar. 'That's the general thesis. It's just stepping up when there's an issue and figuring out a way to resolve it.'
Tyler Mizelle is also a co-owner of the local roofing company, which is named in deference to West Point's motto — The Long Gray Line.
'We did a full inspection from within the attic space to look at the underside decking,' Mizelle said. 'We found a handful of leaks, but overall, the deck wasn't in terrible condition.'
Army veteran Rick Mulligan is the president and founder of the nonprofit , which responded to the Fulford home shortly after 10 On Your Side exposed the difficulties the family faced in December when a pipe burst in their home in the middle of the night, leaving the family in the cold and the dark.
'We're of the mind that veterans can do more than just for other veterans, because our Veterans Care Project is primarily for the VA hospital and the paralyzed veterans,' Mulligan said, 'but if you have a chance to help somebody in the community, you've got to do it. So this makes me happy to be here and do this for her.'
As winter turned to spring, Gray Line, at no charge, threw a lifeline to a roof that had about five leaks and poor ventilation.
Veda's husband, Rico Fulford, whose right eye was damaged by a hit-and-run driver late last year, is grateful for the Long Gray Line.
'This has always been her dream to be a homeowner,' he said. 'She really appreciates [the] public's help.'
The family, however, still faces several serious challenges due to potential state and federal cuts to social programs.
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