Theodore Roosevelt Sailors Help with Extreme Makeover Home Edition Show

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (AW/SW) Wilyanna Harper, USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Public Affairs

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- While conducting an extreme overhaul of their own nuclear powered aircraft carrier, Sailors of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) took time out to assist in an episode of Extreme Makeover Home Edition Feb. 3 for a Hampton Roads family.

For the last two years, Theodore Roosevelt Sailors have been tearing apart and reinstalling everything from small electrical cables to steel doors and tile floors on their 1,092 foot-long ship. So, for these Sailors, helping to build a home for Beverly Hill and her daughters was just another ordinary task. The Sailors donated roughly 100 man-hours to building the house for a mother raising six adopted school-aged girls.

Wearing white hard hats and the trademark blue Extreme Makeover shirts, Theodore Roosevelt Sailors jumped right into work. Personnel Specialist Seaman Kenneth Perkins and Yeoman 3rd Class Michael Wahl ripped flooring to create an opening for an upper level loft, while Electrician's Mate Natalia Cyngier and Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Lacey Frye began cutting floor boards.

The Sailors worked until sunset, alongside several other handy professionals and volunteers. They hauled dry wall and cabinetry up and down the stairs, prepared window trimmings, and shoveled rubble.

While waiting for their assignments, the Sailors got an extra boost of inspiration from Hill's mother, Ms. Adell Joyner.

For the second day, Joyner was watching her daughter's new chocolate-earth tone home being built from a neighbor's yard across the street. With bright eyes and a smile, Joyner told the Roosevelt Sailors how much she appreciated their help.

"It's an honor to know that the Navy is willing to take time out from what they are doing to come out and help build this home," said Joyner. "It really shows the caring hearts of people."

Joyner explained how the failing construction of the original home made things difficult for the family. She said that the new home will mean a lot more for her daughter and the girls.

"This is a great thing. It's life changing for us, and it will give my daughter and her family so much opportunity. Beverly is always helping others," said Joyner. "Now this will help her continue her passion of giving back."

Over the last 15 years Hill has cared for 35 foster children, six of which she adopted. In addition to providing love to children without families, Hill regularly gives to the poor and hungry. Twice a month she cooks and delivers meals to homeless men and women around Hampton Roads.

"She never turns anyone away," said Joyner. "She makes it her mission to feed those who do not have. She just loves to share her blessings with others."

Personnel Specialist 3rd Class Robie Matthews said that it's moments like these that make volunteering so worthwhile.

"Listening to Ms. Joyner tell a little about the family's story, was very rewarding," said Matthews. "You could just feel that she was genuinely thankful for all of the help. It feels really good to know that the fruit of your labor can be someone's joy."

For more news from USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn71/.

This article was sponsored by Military Books.