607th ACS builds home, future for family

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Darlene Seltmann
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Sounds of hammering and sawing filled the air as members of the 607th Air Control Squadron spent the day working with Habitat for Humanity to build a home for a family in need.

The house the squadron worked on will go to a family of eight who are now living in a three-bedroom apartment.

"Habitat for Humanity has been around for a long time, and I have worked with them previously and have always enjoyed it," said Master Sgt. David Addison, 607th ACS cyber systems transport NCO-in-charge. "When I got here and found out there was no unit representative, I just started making phone calls and set up something.

"The rest is on the people who come out to work," he said. "They are the ones who are taking time from their busy schedules to give something back to our community. All I do is set up the chance to do so."

The 607th ACS is familiar with Habitat for Humanity, but this is the first time they have volunteered for this type of project. They are going to work on the house two more times before the completion in December.

"There is no better feeling than knowing those few hours you spent volunteering are going to change someone's life," said Airman 1st Class Courtney Phillips, 607th ACS weapons simulation technician. "After I volunteered, I walked away feeling like a better, more compassionate person. It truly makes all your hard work so worthwhile."

Many of the families that are helped by the Habitat for Humanity program have children with special needs. The families in the program have financial hardships that make it difficult for them to afford their own home.

"Habitat for Humanity is important for a lot of reasons," Addison said. "The homes that we build or remodel are going to families who are in need of better living conditions than what they have. This house will give them a better opportunity to grow and thrive."

Addison had experienced tough times himself and wanted to give back and also inspire the community.

"I've lived on the streets and in homes with barely a roof over our heads," Addison said. "I know what it's like to need a helping hand. Now I have an opportunity to not only give back, but to pay it forward as well."

The 607th ACS volunteered to help Habitat for Humanity that puts service to others before self.

"In the Air Force you live by three core values: Integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all you do," Phillips said. "I couldn't think of a better way to demonstrate my core values than to volunteer with this organization."