Unit focuses on selfless service

By Sgt. Stephanie WoodsonDecember 11, 2013

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Soldiers assigned to 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, nail down the top of the roof during their 'day of service' with Habitat for Humanity, Columbus Dec. 6. In addition to helping others, community service gives s... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT BENNING, Ga., (Dec. 11, 2013) -- Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, participated in a Habitat for Humanity home repair effort to develop team building skills, give leaders an opportunity to bond with their Soldiers and allow Soldiers to exercise one of the seven Army Values, selfless service, in Columbus Dec 6.

"Community service is in line with Capt. Jonathan Proctor, our commander. When I came to the troop, he came in right after me," said 1st Lt. Chip Glass, an infantry officer assigned to Blackhawk Troop, 3-1 CAV, 3rd ABCT, 3rd ID. One of the things we discussed was team building and cohesion, not just with my platoon but within the troop as well. Not being 'voluntold' or having an incentive, more than 20 Soldiers decided to do a 'day of service' in the rain during their day off.

"The last 'day of service' we did it was just with my platoon, this time it was an opportunity for the entire troop," he said.

Having served in different ranks throughout his nine-year Army career, he was familiar with the process of volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, Glass said. Once he became platoon leader, he saw this as an opportunity for the Soldiers to bond away from work.

The Soldiers will be working on roofing or decking then some frame work, possibly dig holes for plumbing, Glass said.

"If the rain becomes more than a drizzle we will still work to complete the mission but have to come down off the roof for safety reasons," said Spc. Tim Jenson, a Cavalry scout assigned to 3-1 CAV. Besides taking home some good blisters, I'm glad to be giving back to the community.

The rain continued to fall sporadically throughout the day, but not enough to keep volunteers from working. Jenson and others did not let the wet conditions affect their motivation to complete the day.

"This project is home for me," he added.

This was Jenson's first time volunteering but he plans to continue. Glass remembers a time volunteering when it was pouring down rain. He and others had to set the foundation for a driveway. The homeowners, who were there, came out, spoke with them and showed their appreciation. It was a really great feeling, added Glass.

"I look at the time of the year we are doing this project, it's Christmastime," he said. "They would like to see this house done by Christmas. Then a family will have a house for Christmas."

According to their website habitat.org, it's through the work of Habitat that has made it possible for the organization to provide thousands of low-income families' affordable housing.

Today, Habitat has helped build or repair more than 800,000 houses and served more than 4 million people around the world. Their mission is seeking to put God's love into action. Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.