Central South Carpenters Regional Council

What do you get when you mix 14 union carpenter volunteers, hundreds of hours of labor, and about $10,000 in materials? One happy American war hero, of course!

In the heart of New Orleans lives a war hero - Lawrence Brooks, the nation’s oldest known American World War II veteran. He celebrated his 111th birthday recently, and when Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards called to wish him a happy birthday, he learned that Mr. Brooks had a leaky roof. Governor Edwards knew just where to turn. He asked the Central South Carpenters to assess the damage and repair Mr. Brooks’ roof, so that would be done correctly and safely.

Volunteers from Locals 1098 and 1846 teamed with Council staff volunteers to complete the project.

Mr. Brooks, born in 1909, was a Private 1st Class in the 91st Engineer Battalion, which was stationed in New Guinea and then the Philippines during World War II.  

“Helping this American hero is a great honor for the Central South Carpenters and we pledged to give Mr. Brooks the outstanding workmanship on his roof that he so deserves,” said Central South’s EST Jason Engels, who also was one of the volunteers to work the jobsite.