PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J.--Four Picatinny-based U.S. Army Soldiers and their families were recipients of playhouses for their children on Aug. 5. Staff Sergeants Tyler Bickston, Brandi France, Aaron Healy and James Little--along with their spouses--thanked representatives from Morris Habitat for Humanity after the playhouses were delivered to the Arsenal.
"I want to thank you for this gracious gift," Healy said. "It is definitely going to be used."
On June 4, Morris Habitat for Humanity held a family-friendly fundraiser, "Hammers for Heroes," which benefited the construction of homes for veteran families. Corporate teams, Team Picatinny members, families and church groups helped frame walls for future veteran Morris Habitat homeowners in need of affordable housing.
CORPORATE GRANT AND VOLUNTEERS
In addition to the homes, playhouse kits were donated to Hammer for Heroes, which was made possible by a grant from a corporate sponsor. They were assembled by teams of volunteers that included high school students from the surrounding communities.
Blaire Bravo, chief executive officer of Morris Habitat for Humanity, said: "To be here and to be able connect our mission to ensure that everyone in the world has a safe, decent, affordable place to live, and take that mission and share it with you all, who serve and protect our nation, and be able to present a gift as a small way, as a thank you, we are honored to be in your presence quite frankly."
Veorah Burden, wife of Picatinny Senior Commander Brig. Gen. Patrick Burden, said: "This is so awesome. One thing that Patrick and I tag team, is the mission. He has a mission, and I have a mission as well. My mission is about the families.
"Our military kids, which I think are pretty awesome, are supported and have the most normal life that they can possibly have. It takes all of the communities and this is just wonderful how Morris Habitat for Humanity reached out to ensure that our troops are taken care of."
Among those on hand to witness the delivery of the playhouses were Richard Eastman, the Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for Northern New Jersey; Lt. Col. Jeffrey Ivey, Picatinny Arsenal Garrison Commander; Command Sgt. Maj. Hudene Wright; and a small contingency of Picatinny employees and family members.
"I want to thank Habitat for this opportunity," Eastman said. "They have been heavily involved in supporting our military, especially our National Guard and Reserves, doing repairs to their homes while deployed. This is just a continuation of their support for New Jersey military and their families."
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