FORT BRAGG, NC. - It is often said that one of our most precious resources is time. On Aug 8, members of the All-American Chapter, The ROCKS Inc., volunteered their time and skills as they partnered with the Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity to improve homes in a downtown Fayetteville community.
In spite of 90 degree plus temperatures, members completed a number of odd jobs from mowing and trimming yards to installing vinyl siding on newly built homes. The group also spackled interior walls and installed plastic insulation underneath homes.
Maj. Kaiesha Wright, chief, military justice, 82nd Airborne Division and ROCKS project officer, said the project was an opportunity for members to help Families realize their dream of having a home.
"I like the notion of ordinary people banding together to do the extraordinary with each person using whatever skills or talents she or he has, even if it is just one's time and sweat," Wright said.
Wright said the project also helped fulfill the organization's main objectives of teaching, coaching and mentoring.
"The project afforded members the opportunity to work together in a spirit of unity as an organization," she said. "It provided a different environment in which to mentor and teach, and it made a positive contribution to the community. All objectives were accomplished," she said.
"It was a good opportunity for me personally and for the ROCKS to give back to the community," said Maj. Adrian Brockington with the Deployment and Mobilization Brigade. "It is important to maintain the organization's goals of community outreach, mentorship and camaraderie and this was an excellent opportunity to do just that. It was great."
By all accounts, the community outreach effort was a huge success and everyone enjoyed the experience. According to Wright, the ROCKS will continue looking for opportunities to give back to the community, such as mentoring students, gathering and donating clothes to homeless shelters and other projects that can make a difference.
Chris Morgan, FAHFH head builder, supervised the project and said he was extremely pleased with the work that was completed during the time the group was on site.
"I thought they did a wonderful job and worked very hard," said Morgan. "We (FAHFH) rely heavily on volunteers and the ROCKS helped us move a little closer to achieving our goal of every person having a decent place to live."
The ROCKS, Inc. is a non-profit organization comprised of active duty, reserve and retired, reserve officer training cadets and former commissioned officers of the U.S. Armed Forces. The organization was formed to provide professional and social interaction and development to strengthen the officer corps.
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