Photo By Sgt. Justin Updegraff | Cpl. Cade Parks, a machine gunner with Chemical Biological Incident Response Force...... read more read more
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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - Five Special-Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-New York Marines, several sailors and Coast Guardsmen went out and gave back to the community of New York by working with Habitat for Humanity New York City in aiding them at renovating a single-family home on Staten Island, New York, May 22, 2015.
More than 300 Marines arrived in New York City to participate in this year’s annual Fleet Week. The community engagement event provides the people of New York City and surrounding area a chance to see the capabilities of the Marine Corps, the opportunity to meet with the Marines and a chance for the Marines to give back.
“The heart of Habitat for Humanity is our families and our volunteers,” said Frances Hardy, a faith and community relations associate with Habitat for Humanity. “So our homes and our projects would not be built without our volunteers. This week, we have the honor of welcoming fleet week volunteers. They are going to help finish this home, which will one day be the home of a hardworking, low income New York family.”
The Marines got busy upon arrival and quickly learned how to lay tile. Running in and out of the house, the Marines would use the wet saw, a saw that incorporates water to cut ceramic tiles, to cut out pieces of the tile in order for a tight fit around pipes and in corners.
“Coming out here and volunteering is a very positive thing; that we can help the community and help spread a positive attitude towards ourselves,” said Lance Cpl. Brian Brandt, a light armored vehicle crewman with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion. “Everyone knows our job is to conduct war and protect this country when necessary. But we are also human beings who just want to help others; we want to serve the community.”
While the Marines were busy laying tile in the bathrooms, sailors and coast guardsmen were cutting and nailing trim and edging to the walls as well as painting the finished rooms upstairs.
”I think the message that fleet week volunteers are sending to the local community, by partnering with Habitat for Humanity New York City, is that they are here, they care and that they are making a long lasting difference,” Hardy said.
“I really hope that they see us in a positive light,” Brandt said. “After we leave, and they reflect back on it and say, ‘Wow, the Marines, sailors, everyone that came out here, are great people and they’re doing great things for our nation’s people.’”
| Date Taken: | 05.22.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 05.22.2015 17:59 |
| Story ID: | 164342 |
| Location: | STATEN ISLAND, NY, US |
| Web Views: | 99 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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