JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md., –
More than 20 Airmen from the 11th Civil Engineer Squadron stationed at Joint Base Andrews volunteered in a Christmas in April Prince George’s County event in College Park, Maryland, April 29.
Airmen spent a part of their weekend helping to repair the homes of senior citizens who are either low-income and/or physically challenged so they may live independently in warmth and safety.
Staff Sgt. Nicholas Argento, 11th CES electrical power production craftsman, explained that it took volunteers months of planning to identify and forecast the work to be done.
After the team was assigned the home of Robert and Harriet Moseley in January 2017, members went to inspect the plumbing and electrical throughout the home to determine the amount of materials needed.
“Our Airmen honor, defend and support our nation daily,” said Chief Master Sgt. Nathaniel Perry, 11th Wing and JBA command chief. “This is an opportunity to give back directly to our communities in another way, by building not just homes, but relationships.”
Before the day of repair, a small team of volunteers revisited the home to address the plumbing issues the homeowners were experiencing, like not having hot water reach their showerhead for years.
On the day of the event, the 11th CES members completed the rest of the repairs, which included patching holes in walls, correcting a sagging ceiling in the basement, and reinstalling siding on the house that had blown off a few years ago.
Argento said four volunteers were tasked with tearing up some water-damaged flooring and completely redoing the kitchen flooring. They also replaced a donated refrigerator and dishwasher
Additionally, the crew was tasked with emptying the home of nearly a half a century of accumulated items that were no longer needed, including a hot tub in the second story of the house that was carried outside through a window.
“Everyone was so nice and helpful,” said Richard Moseley, homeowner. “My wife and I thank them for their hard work. My wife is ecstatic about the kitchen, she’s been wanting to do something about it for so long.”
The Prince George’s County program was founded in 1989 and has repaired approximately 2,419 homes with the help of more than 81,000 volunteers.
“Whether temporary or extended, we are part of this community,” Perry said. “These are our neighbors and it is an absolute pleasure to help them in this way.”