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Fairchild Airmen give back to those in need

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Taylor Curry
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Helping others when they are in need is what being an Airman is all about. For members of the Rock Airman Club, volunteering comes with the job.

Airmen with the club partnered with Habitat for Humanity in their home-building project in Deer Park, Wash., Aug. 24.

"The Rock Airman Club is an event-based, Airman community-building outreach of the base chapel," said Robert Griffing, club coordinator. "Our four pillars include belonging: inviting Airmen to find new friends in the context of club events, service: joining together to offer practical help to the Fairchild community and beyond, growth: taking leadership initiative to guide others in service projects, and faith: offering one on one spiritual and life mentorship and spiritual formation classes for those who are interested."

The club sponsors service projects on a monthly basis. When finances allow, they also offer recreational events, such as laser-tag. They also partner with Airmen Against Drunk Driving, Fairchild First Four, the dorm managers and the Airman & Family Readiness Center for a number of activities, such as block parties, bowling evenings and healthy relationship courses.

"Our Habitat service project on the 24th was the third time we have worked with them this year," said Griffing. "We hope to participate in their housing project in Deer Park, Wash., once more before the end of September."

Founded in 1976, Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian ministry that builds and repairs homes for people in need all over the world, regardless of race or religion.

There are nearly two billion people around the world who live in slum housing and more than 100 million are homeless. Habitat for Humanity helps by building or renovating simple, decent houses in partnership with those that have been through natural disasters, war and civil unrest.

According to Damian Gretch, construction supervisor, it takes approximately 1,350 volunteer hours to build one home. On average, that takes about one and a half to two years for the family to be able to move into their house. During that time, the families are also putting in 500 of those hours towards construction on their house. At the same time, the families continue to meet the requirements of their day-to-day lives.

"The Airmen participants have been glad to help create housing for lower income people in the area," said Griffing. "Developing a habit of serving others is healthy on so many levels. A team of Airmen can give a few hours and impact the lives of even hundreds of other people."

To volunteer with future Habitat for Humanity projects, visit www.habitat.org/getinv.

(The information used in this story is from www.habitat.org)