It's that time of year, when frigid temperatures work heating units and human tolerance to the bone. Some suffer through the bitter cold, and Olaf Marek is trying to help those fighting the freeze, and for freedom.

"It's just what we do," Marek said Friday morning on Timberline Way, making sure the heating unit was working at the home of Pfc. Nathan Hall and his family, including two young boys and Leah, who was born Monday.

Marek owns CerProTech, a heating and air conditioning repair company in Clarksville. Marek, his wife and all of his employees are veterans of the military, and started Operation Home Comfort to help soldiers and veterans who might have problems with their heating units this winter.

Marek is focusing on those with the biggest need. They are asking for nominations of soldiers and veterans who might be in a predicament with their heating units. So far, Marek has helped barely a handful of people, the Halls being one of them.

Marek also has helped a 15-year veteran who has leukemia and is undergoing a bone marrow transplant.

"These are the kinds of people we want to help," he said.

Marek and his wife Angie have gotten eight nominations — "some active duty, a few vets," he says — but want more. He's tapped resources at Fort Campbell like Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Herndon, former 101st Airborne Division Command Sgt. Maj. Cliff West and retired Sgt. Maj. Charles Fitzpatrick for help, but is open to any worthy nomination.

The goal is to donate at least two free heating system inspections per month and free repairs.

Nathan Hall said Marek visited their home in the summer to check on the air conditioning, and was glad to see him again Friday.

"We're just grateful things like this are available to soldiers, especially during this time of year," he said.

To nominate a soldier or veteran, visit www.CerProTech.com  and click on the link. You also can nominate by calling 931-980-4328.

James and Tomiko Collins, Clarksville TN

This is our first and last home, so it was very important to my wife and I that we were very luck to find such fine people to do the work in our home, Most respectful and kind. I would recommend them to all my family and friends. I would like to thank Mr. Olaf Marek and his team. They did a great job.
Thank you,

Jason and Jennifer Roach, Clarksville, TN

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CerProTech, LLC, P.O. Box 3988, Clarksville, TN 37043 Telephone: 931.980.HEAT (4328)