Milwaukee Air Guardsmen volunteer with Habitat for Humanity

By Senior Airman Ryan Kuntze

128th Air Refueling Wing

Sixty-five Airmen and family members from the 128th Air Refueling Wing volunteered to help Habitat for Humanity renovate four houses on North First Street on Saturday, June 4.

The Airmen placed drywall in the houses from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., said 2nd Lt. Gregory Damask, the logistics readiness officer for the 128th Logistics Readiness Squadron.

Damask has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in the past, and he organized a similar volunteer effort last year.

"Let's find a way to get the 128th's name out there," he explained. "Let's give back to the very community that gives to us."

Damask said the volunteer efforts were experiences that showcased the Wing's teamwork and willingness to come together.

"It was a good feeling to know everyone volunteered their own time," he said. "The home owners were there, and they had nothing but compliments."

The response from Habitat for Humanity has been very positive, too.

"They asked for us to come back every month," he said.

Airmen from the 128th Air Refueling Wing are going to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity in 2012, which will make the event an annual volunteer program that assists local Milwaukee citizens.

"[Volunteering] is in my nature," Damask said. "I was brought up to give. I've been blessed with many benefits, and my personal belief is that if I have the ability to help others, I should."