QUANTICO, Va. -- One of the main reasons members of the U.S. military serve is to give back.
Eight enlisted troops from the Department of Defense Cyber Crime Center gave back in a meaningful way June 16, 2017, when they volunteered at ReStore, a non-profit home improvement store run by Habitat for Humanity.
All profits raised from the discounted furniture, tile and appliance sales go directly to Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake to create affordable home ownership opportunities in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County and Howard County.
Three sailors and five airmen spent morning and afternoon shifts cleaning out the furniture delivery drop window, breaking down large and small items, disposing of the debris from the break-down and cleaning and organizing the sales floor.
“My favorite part was breaking down the items as a team,” said Staff Sgt. Tiara Wilson. “I was excited our Navy and Air Force troops came together to embrace esprit de corps, camaraderie and demonstrate being military ambassadors within the community.”
Teamwork is emphasized at DC3.
As with many worthwhile efforts, the work wasn’t easy.
“Tired, hot and sweaty,” said Tech. Sgt. Shalonda Francis, when asked how she felt after they finished the cleanup. “But overall I felt a sense of accomplishment. My favorite part was working together to get the job done.”
Wilson not only shared the manual labor but organized the group’s trip as well. She researched the organization to ensure there were as many volunteers as possible to help.
“It was a great feeling to foster good relationships and help where we could,” Wilson said. “I never realized how much work goes into the ReStore locations. They do so much every day with very limited manpower but they make it work. Their management was very happy and thankful we helped.”
The team also drew praise from DC3 leadership.
“Today, fewer than one-half of one percent of Americans serve in uniform. That so few do - and to serve something other than their personal interest - affirms my long held conviction that our military personnel are among the very best of Americans,” said Mr. Steve Shirley, DC3 Executive Director. “Their initiative in supporting the Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a small but glowing exemplar about the nature of service and, above all, about the nature of the people who serve.”