A Gold Star Mother’s Strength: Honoring the Legacy of Corporal Kareem Khan

A Story of Sacrifice, Love, and Renewal

In Laurel, Maryland, a powerful act of community and compassion has brought new light to a family forever marked by sacrifice. Operation Raise the Roof proudly honored Gold Star Mother Elsheba Khan, whose son, Corporal Kareem Rasha Sultan Khan, gave his life in service to the United States at just twenty years old

Kareem’s story began when the tragic events of September 11, 2001 ignited in him a deep sense of duty. At only fourteen, he made a promise to himself — to protect the nation he loved. Immediately after graduating high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, and by July 2006, he was deployed to Iraq, answering a call to serve far beyond his years Just one year later, in August 2007, Kareem made the ultimate sacrifice. For his bravery and devotion, he was posthumously promoted to Corporal and awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. Yet for his mother, Elsheba, Kareem will always be remembered as more than a soldier — he was her son, “born with a smile,” whose kindness and joy touched everyone around him

Restoring Hope and a Home

Years after Kareem’s passing, Elsheba faced another hardship — her home’s roof began to fail, causing leaks and mold that left her living space unsafe. Despite repeated attempts to find help, the company responsible for her prior roof never returned.

Through Operation Raise the Roof, Elsheba’s home has now been fully restored with a brand-new roof — free of charge. This act of service ensures that her home once again provides peace, security, and comfort — a tribute to Kareem’s lasting legacy of courage and compassion The community gathered on October 3rd in Laurel, MD, to celebrate Elsheba, honor her son’s service, and recognize the sacrifices made by Gold Star Families across the country

Community, Compassion, and Commitment

This project was made possible through the generosity of QXO, a 4-Star Supporter and leading national building-products distributor, along with partners Valor Construction, Saint-Gobain North America, and countless volunteers and donors who believe in the mission:

“All veterans deserve a sturdy roof over their head.”

Their combined support reflects the spirit of what Operation Raise the Roof stands for — honoring service through action and compassion.

Join the Mission

Every donation, no matter the size, helps ensure that veterans and Gold Star Families receive the protection, dignity, and stability they deserve.

❤️ Support the cause today at opraisetheroof.org

Your generosity keeps this mission alive — one roof, one family, one act of gratitude at a time.