JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
Eight U.S. Army Soldiers from the 99th Transportation Detachment Movement Control Team, 53rd Movement Control Battalion, 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary) worked on two houses in support of Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg Habitat for Heroes program in Hampton, Virginia, April 4, 2015.
While at the two houses, the Soldiers spent their time disposing of unneeded garbage and unused wood left over from previous construction and installing hinges.
"I enjoyed helping out," said Sgt. Kenneth Black, 99th MCT movement noncommissioned officer in charge. "It was better time spent then possibly sitting in front of a television on a Saturday morning."
Habitat for Humanity partners with families, local government, businesses, faith groups, schools, associations and individual volunteers and donors to build and renovate affordable homes for low-income families.
"Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg brings people together to build homes, communities and hope," said LaToya Tyler, Habitat PGW deputy director. "Soldiers have been working with Habitat since the affiliate was founded 30 years ago and they have worked hard to keep a strong relationship with all branches of the military."
The Soldiers took part in Habitat for Heroes, which provides current and former Service members the opportunity to engage with their community, by working together to build and work on houses.
"After spending an already 13 years in the Army, I couldn't imagine how it would feel to need assistance," said Black. "That's why I didn't mind spending my Saturday helping those who need it."
The Habitat PGW has volunteers from all services from around the local area, and always encourages volunteers to keep the military bond.
"This project is an example of our strong relationship with the military," said Tyler. "It is important because it affords the opportunity to serve others by volunteering and giving former military members access to quality affordable housing."
Soldiers who volunteer with the program help in a variety of capacities, from home construction and exterior home repairs to helping at the Habitat ReStore, the organization's home improvement and donation center, which uses profits to build homes in the community.
The 99th MCT Soldiers plan to continue working with the program, but will also find other community based volunteer opportunities, said U.S. Army Capt. Renea Jones-Hudson 99th MCT commander.
"I want to try and encourage the Soldiers to get out into the community on their own time by setting up events like this, to help them understand that giving back is not just during work hours, it is on your own time as well, " said Jones-Hudson. "All of the Soldiers that went to this project seemed to really enjoy themselves, getting out and being active."