Airmen volunteer for local family

Six Airmen from Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, displayed the second U.S. Air Force core value, "Service Before Self," May 4, by dedicating their Saturday to help build a house for a Sumter family in need as part of the Habitat for Humanity, a global nonprofit housing organization.

Building began shortly after the team reported to the site at 7:30 a.m. They fully completed the project despite the sun and threat of rainstorms.

"I'd encourage Airmen, noncommissioned officers, senior NCOs, officers, anybody to come out and help someone," said Senior Airman Bradley Clark, 20th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron tactical aircraft maintainer.

Clark said this was his first volunteer project with Habitat for Humanity and he plans to volunteer more of his weekends in the future.

According to an article from www.Habitat.org, Habitat for Humanity is a global nonprofit housing organization working in local communities across the United States and in more than 70 countries around the world.

Because of volunteers in 2018, more than 8.7 million people worldwide gained the potential to improve their living conditions.

First Lt. Justin Reese, 20th AMXS sortie generation flight commander, said he has coordinated or participated in more than 25 volunteer events, but this was his first Habitat for Humanity project and thinks he will participate again because it was such a unique experience.

"Anytime you accomplish something you get a good feeling," said Reese. "When you accomplish something that helps others and improves our society, the feeling is even better. I absolutely encourage all Airmen to get out and help their base and community."