OSI Headquarters members volunteer to help build a home for a family in need

  • Published
  • By Mr. James C. Dillard
  • OSI Public Affairs
OSI HQ QUANTICO, Va. --  Volunteerism is one of those ideas that's at the core of what it means to show goodwill toward your fellow man.

Air Force Office of Special Investigations members from the OSI Headquarters at Quantico, Va. showed that they knew the meaning of volunteerism when they took the time to help build a home for a Stafford, Va. family Feb. 25.

Because so many people volunteered for the project, the OSI volunteer coordinator had to split up the people into two teams. One team worked morning and the other worked afternoon and evening.

"I am very pleased with the outstanding response from all the AFOSI family to help out in this project, and I really appreciate the time that all the volunteers took out of their weekend to work on this event," said Tech Sgt. Sergio Zamora, the key OSI organizer. "The project went extremely well. All the OSI volunteers were smiling and having fun while working hard."

With hammers, measuring tape, ladders and lumber in hand, the OSI team worked all day in building both the main living structure and a separate storage building behind the home. Because there was only so much work to go around, they took turns hammering nails and raising walls.

Sometimes, though, the best tool is advice, and there were several Habitat for Humanity workers present to assist and direct the OSI workers.

One such Habitat worker was Mr. Bob Hammond, Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity, vice president of development. As a Navy veteran, Mr. Hammond was especially happy to see military members Habitat's efforts.

"I think it's great that they are willing to invest some of their time to help Habitat," Mr. Hammond said. "My observation is that the military personnel who volunteer and help us on their time off are the types who appear to have a lot of initiative and attitudes that will help them advance in their military careers. I've also noticed that they are always smiling and seem to be having a good time."

The home site is located on a fairly large lot with plenty of mature trees. It will be in an established neighborhood and there are other Habitat homes to be built in the future nearby.

Staff Sgt. Jessica Broome, one of the OSI volunteers, said she felt inspired to see people dedicating their time to help those in need.

"I became involved in the project because I saw it as a good opportunity to help out in the local community and give a helping hand," she said. "I enjoyed working with everyone at the work site and I learned new skills in the process."

There are many ways someone can volunteer, and it doesn't always mean hauling lumber and hanging drywall.

"There are three ways people can volunteer: invest their time, invest their money and/or be an advocate," Mr. Hammond said. "I believe that volunteering should be a way of life for everyone and everyone should volunteer with charitable organizations in some way."

Sergeant Zamora said he was very impressed with the Habitat for Humanity organization.

"I believe this is a great organization that really makes a difference in so many people's lives," he said. "I believe everyone should volunteer with organizations like Habitat."

For more information on a variety of volunteer opportunities, visit www.serve.gov.