Fightertown gives back

Photo By Gunnery Sgt. Justin Boling | Sgt. Trevor Russel, a calibration technician for Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31, paints a shutter that will soon be placed on a newly painted home on St. Helena Island, July 14. Russel and nearly 50 other volunteers from MALS-31 spent three days helping repair four houses for needy families.  

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, SC, UNITED STATES

07.23.2010

Story by Pfc. Justin Boling 

Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort

Every service member volunteered to serve and protect the United States of America, but many Fightertown Marines and sailors can also volunteer to do a little more for the community that welcomes them.

Marines and sailors with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31 aided United Way in their efforts to build a new home for those in need, July 12 to 14.

“It is great to let the community know that we appreciate the welcome most citizens give us, and I also like seeing good people who are less fortunate have something good happen to them,” said Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Arthur Randall II, a communication navigation technician for MALS-31. Randall was responsible for planning the event for this group to get out and volunteer.

Members of the Single Marine Program also volunteer with two of the many programs located in the Lowcountry: the Child Abuse Prevention Association of Beaufort and Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry.

“We appreciate the energy that service members bring to the project, it motivates other volunteers,” said Brenda Dooley, the executive director of Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry.

According to Dooley, their organization will soon begin three new construction projects in the Lowcountry. Volunteers are assigned jobs for the day and have the opportunity to learn many useful skills while they are building and repairing a home for the family in need.

“The families who will live in these homes work alongside volunteers so individuals volunteering get to meet who will live in the house.” Dooley said.

Another way the sailors and Marines of the Air Station can aide is by helping CAPA. This organization has many different jobs for volunteers to help out and aide the children of the area suffering from child abuse.

“Service members are always welcome, they help with many of the heavier objects that are donated and bring a ‘can do’ attitude,” said Katie Grindle, director of community relations for CAPA.

These opportunities and many others are available to service members to help the local community and receive some personal and professional goals a long the way.

“Besides the personal benefit of helping out the community, all volunteers will receive letters of appreciation and hours they can log to possibly win awards or other types of recognition,” said Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Lacey Jones, an avionics technician supervisor with MALS-31, and the supervisor for the volunteer event.

Volunteering can be defined in the values of any branch of service, and a great way to exercise those beliefs and traditions is by fulfilling a few of the needs in the local community.

For more information and about volunteering for CAPA or Habitat for Humanity visit www.mccssc.com/smp/minutes/meeting_min.pdf

• Date Taken: 07.23.2010
• Date Posted: 07.23.2010 20:11
• Story ID: 53302
• Location: MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, SC, US