SAVANNAH, Ga. - Volunteer Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, joined members of the Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity and other volunteers to help build a home in the community of Savannah, Ga., June 5.
"The city of Savannah gives so much to our Soldiers and I just think this is a great opportunity to give back," Maj. Paige Heard said, chaplain for the 3rd CAB and liaison to Habitat for Humanity.
The group of 10 Talon Soldiers came out to the site at 8:30 a.m. and worked until 2:30 p.m., helping primarily with sanding and painting the exteriors and painting the interior walls. They also did landscaping and yard clearing work.
Bruce Bissett, construction supervisor for Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity, said the group was part of a larger trend of Third Infantry Division Soldiers helping build the house.
"We've had six different groups come down, and we're two weeks ahead of schedule on the house because of all the help the Soldiers have done," said Bissett. "It's always good to have young people in good physical condition that can move the work along."
The house, located on Archer Street in west Savannah, has been under construction for more than two months.The walls went up April 10, and Bissett said if the volunteers are consistent, the home could be completed in 30 days. The home's future owners, Derrick and Cindy Rodriguez, were at the site helping with the construction. They were incredibly grateful for the Soldiers' help.
"It's heartwarming to see all of them here volunteering," Cindy Rodriguez said. "Not only are they out there protecting America, they're helping us protect our dream. It shows a high moral standard and appreciation of the value of life."
Major Heard said that volunteering is something she and Soldiers take to heart.
"We already serve our country," Maj. Heard said. "Coming out here and volunteering is just another way for us to do that."
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