PHOENIX, Arizona - In keeping with the Phoenix Battalion's "giving guests" initiative, Army recruiters are partnering with the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity in its efforts to build and rehabilitate houses for local needy residents.
Army recruiters and Future Soldiers have worked on over a dozen local Habitat for Humanity projects, according to Capt. Michael Tomsik, the Phoenix Central company commander. "Our Soldiers are turning into master builders and have performed a number of construction tasks including demolition, framing, roofing and installing sheetrock," Tomsik said.
Tomsik says both the community and the Soldiers benefit from the program. "It's a very tangible way for us to connect with our community and demonstrate the Army values," Tomsik said. "These projects not only demonstrate the recruiter's role in being the Army's ambassador to the local communities but also reinforce the positive image of Army as fellow citizens who serve and protect our nation."
The Soldiers also gain something through their hard work, according to Tomsik. "Soldiers and Future Soldiers alike feel a sense of accomplishment and find it personally rewarding to help build something that both provides an essential need and has an enduring impact on their community," Tomsik said.
Dave Bunzel, the volunteer and community service manager for the Phoenix Habitat for Humanity office, says the Army's help has been invaluable for the group's efforts in the Phoenix area. "The Army volunteers alone have contributed over 950 man-hours of work to build and rehabilitate houses and that equates to building half a house," Bunzel said. "We could not have completed a number of projects in Phoenix without their help."
Staff Sgt. Bryan Thompson from the Paradise Valley Recruiting Center says the program is all about building relationships. "As a Soldier, it's important to pay back to the local community because the community gives so much to us," Thompson said. "Volunteering is just one way that we can show our appreciation and bridge the two communities."
Future Soldier Michael O'Malley says it helped him understand the importance of teamwork and civic responsibility. "It was also a pretty good workout," O'Malley said.
Black Canyon Center recruiter Staff Sgt. Mario Ruffin suggests that everyone should consider the Habitat for Humanity program for a community relations project. "It is a truly a rewarding experience to help build a home for someone," Ruffin said. "I gained the satisfaction of knowing that I helped a needy family find an affordable home, something we take for granted in our own lives."
Tomsik says that Habitat for Humanity is just one of several community service organizations his Soldiers have provided support. "Over the past year, we have donated our time and efforts to a number of local charities," Tomsik said.
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