Sailors Help Rebuild Community During Little Rock Navy Week

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Pat Migliaccio, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs

June 1, 2010 - LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (NNS) -- Sailors gathered in Little Rock to help Habitat for Humanity prepare a home for demolition May 27.

The project coincided with Little Rock Navy Week 2010, one of 20 Navy weeks planned across America this year.

Habitat for Humanity is an international non-profit organization devoted to building simple, affordable housing for those in need. Homes are built using volunteer labor and then sold at no profit.

"Our mission is to alleviate substandard housing and get everyone into an affordable home," said Misty Stewart, volunteer coordinator working on site.

"The Sailors here today are working really hard and doing a wonderful job removing everything from plumbing and light fixtures to countertops and trim," added Stewart. "Everything recyclable will be taken back to our store and sold. The proceeds in turn will allow us to build and remodel more homes for people in need."

"I'm excited to do this," said Lt. j.g. Marla Goshien from Navy Recruiting District Nashville, while removing a door. "It feels good to give back to the community and work for a great cause. My understanding is that profits from this deconstruct will be used to provide housing for needy cancer patients."

Sailors worked most of the day to remove all salvageable items out of the house, including the kitchen sink.

"This is outstanding," said Operations Specialist 2nd Class Darren Carter, also from Navy Recruiting District Nashville, as he carefully hauled a refrigerator into a truck. "It feels good to help out the community. By being here, we show everyone that the Navy cares, while showing what we can do to give back to our community."

"We're privileged that the Navy chose to work with us during their Navy Week," said Stewart. "Hopefully, the work done today helps a needy family get a home in an indirect way. When we all work together, everyone benefits and we all move forward."

Navy Weeks are designed to inform Americans on the importance of naval service and increase awareness in cities which might not otherwise see the Navy work on a regular basis.