OCEANSIDE, Calif. - The Marine Corps participates in humanitarian efforts across the globe, from the earthquake in Haiti to the typhoon in Japan. Here at home, some Marines take the time to volunteer in the local community and help make a difference in someone else’s life.
Volunteers from Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group donated their time and energy to help at a local Habitat for Humanity site, June 7.
A block of homes in the local area has been built by the organization to sell at a discounted price to low-income families.
“Habitat for Humanity has been called by God to bring people together to help build affordable homes,” said Joe F. Carton, the superintendent of the construction site.
The Marines spent the day building the structure of the homes by nailing plywood, hammering two-by-fours together and putting up walls, among other construction necessities. The contribution of volunteer work is what makes organizations like Habitat for Humanity possible.
“What I love about volunteering for Habitat of Humanity is it gives the opportunity for less fortunate people to be able to afford a home,” said Pfc. Joel M. Roberts, a disbursing clerk with CLR-17. “I think it’s one of the best organizations to volunteer for because they have such a great cause.”
Cpl. Nicholas S. Chase, the non-commissioned officer in charge of disbursing with CLR-17, said his office was fortunate to be able to participate in many volunteer opportunities.
“Working together as a shop outside of our job helps strengthen morale and camaraderie,” said Chase, a 27-year old Plymouth, Mass., native. “Simple fundamentals, like building a house for those less fortunate, increase the maturity of our junior Marines.”
One of those junior Marines is Lance Cpl. Alex J. Cantave, a disbursing clerk with CLR-17. Cantave is a frequent volunteer for multiple organizations and events. He said his driving force for getting involved in the community is to stay in touch with life outside of the military.
“Volunteering gives me a bigger perspective,” said Cantave, a 24-year-old Miami native. “Marines sometimes get so caught up in the ‘ooh-rah’ Marine Corps that it’s easy to forget there is actually a society out there.”
The final five homes of the 20-house project are nearing their completion, with hopes to be finished by December of this year. Carton said the families are chosen before the project is complete and contribute to building the homes as part of the agreement for being able to purchase one at such a low cost.
“I am a firm believer in paying it forward,” said Chase. “I believe when you do something good for someone, chances are they will do something good for someone else.”
Habitat for Humanity sites are located throughout the U.S. as well as in some foreign countries. Carton said regardless of the location, the mission to provide low-cost homes remains the same. There are continuous projects in place and the organization is always accepting volunteers. For more information on how to volunteer, log on to www.habitat.org.