Wasp Sailors Aid in "Extreme Makeover"

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Koons, USS Wasp Public Affairs

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (NNS) -- USS Wasp (LHD 1) Sailors volunteered to help build a house during the filming of the television show, "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition", Jan. 31-Feb. 6.

"What we've done is to change the life of a family forever, and for us to be a part of helping others in the Hampton Roads community is a big deal," said Lt. Matthew Weems, USS Wasp chaplain.

The show's format involves the destruction of an old home and the building of a new one for a needy family. Wasp's involvement with the project began when members of the ship's Volunteer Service Program committee heard about it on the radio.

"Soon after we learned about it, we called the show's producers and volunteered to help," said Fire Controlman 3rd Class Richard Weaver.

During the project, many other volunteers, both civilian and military, aided in the effort.

"The immediate response was huge when we put the word out," said Betsy Burns, project volunteer coordinator. "Since Hampton Roads is such a close-knit community, we had volunteers from all branches of the armed forces as well as civilians, many with military ties, come out to help."

The Wasp Sailors assisted in tasks such as clearing the road of debris and helping repair lawns dug up by construction machinery. They also performed crowd control duty as the new house was revealed to the waiting family, Feb. 5

"It was a very emotional moment for them," said Weaver. "They were excited to see their brand new home ready for them to move into."

For other volunteers, helping to build a brand new house is simply part of a good day's work.

"I did an 'Extreme Makeover' project in Jonesboro, N.C., and it's a great thing to do because it helps out families, and the community as a whole," said Jay Burns, local resident and volunteer.

For Weaver, the main benefit of the project is helping those in need to get back on their feet.

"It was a chance to give back to the community, and to be involved in a charitable project such as this, is always a good thing," he said.

This article was sponsored by Military Books.