Airmen build for a better tomorrow

by Airman 1st Class Zachary Cacicia
436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

7/15/2014 - FREDERICA, Del. -- There are a million-and-a-half things for an Airman to do on a mid-summer Saturday in Delaware. With the beaches being only a short drive south, mountain biking in the north and all sorts of shopping in both directions, the possibilities are almost endless. A group of Team Dover Airmen however, decided to give back to their community on their time off.

Twenty Team Dover Airmen volunteered their time and muscle in a Central Delaware Habitat for Humanity construction event where they participated in the construction of two single-family sized homes July 12, 2014, at Frederica, Delaware.

"I love the Air Force coming out here; they're great, they really are," said Paul Fitzwater, Habitat for Humanity site supervisor. "They are absolutely wonderful; the volunteers are normally skilled, they listen to directions and they stay most of the day."

Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization with a goal of providing simple, decent and affordable housing to those affected by poverty all over the world. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat for Humanity has helped more than four million people.

Team Dover's participation was organized by the Air Force Sergeants Association, Chapter 201, and headed by AFSA member, Master Sgt. Jamie Beard, 436th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment flight chief.

"I feel great, it is a great experience for the Airmen to get out and help the local community," said Beard. "They will receive a sense of accomplishment out here; seeing how we can go from nothing to almost a finished product."

One of the volunteers, Senior Airman Poler Oliveros, 436th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment, is currently a resident of the small town of Frederica and was pleased to see the Airmen volunteering.

"I didn't expect this many Airmen to come out; it's pretty nice" said Oliveros.

The volunteer Airmen completed a multitude of construction tasks that day ranging from roofing and insulation installation, to window installation and interior work.

"It's great to see how the base community can be part of the local community," said Staff Sgt. Carol Mitchell, 436th Medical Group executive assistant. "We provide not just only a home, but it's something where we can all work as a team together."

With the day's construction goals being easily reached. The day was an overall success for the Airmen, Habitat for Humanity and the families that will one day live in the homes.

"This was my first time volunteering with Habitat for Humanity," said Beard. "But it surely won't be my last."