An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

D-M Airmen support local community through Habitat for Humanity

  • Published
  • 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) Public Affairs
During the early morning hours, more than 30 individuals from multiple organizations within Davis-Monthan AFB gathered to receive a safety briefing from Tucson's Habitat for Humanity representatives, May 30.

"This has been one of the most rewarding events that I have ever been a part of," said Airman 1st Class Rylan Burdine, 612th Air Communications Squadron. "Habitat for Humanity gave me an opportunity to help people in need and it filled me with pride to be among knowledgeable volunteers that helped build quality homes for families in need."

The Davis-Monthan AFB Habitat for Humanity Volunteer group organizes quarterly events in order to support the local community and Habitat for Humanity efforts.

"This was an amazing example of neighbors helping neighbors... and Davis-Monthan is a great neighbor!" said J.J. Swinney, Manager of Construction Operations for Tucson's Habitat for Humanity.

This iteration of base-wide volunteers was organized and coordinated by Airman 1st Class Andrea Willis from the 612th Air and Space Operations Center.

"This was an amazing volunteer opportunity that allowed D-M Airman the ability to give back to our community," said Willis. "It's really exciting to see volunteers from all ranks come out to support this event."

Habitat for Humanity's goal is to build safe, decent, affordable, quality houses for people in need. They rely on donations of money, land, material, and time to construct each home.

"This was an amazing opportunity to be able to impact a family in the most profound way," said Airman 1st Class Michael Felipe, 612th Air Communications Squadron. "Habitat for Humanity excels beyond community support and just providing affordable housing to giving a family a new life and a new beginning. I am very proud and honored to have been a part of this opportunity."

Each future Habitat homeowner is required to complete a minimum of 200 "sweat equity" hours. The hours are completed by volunteering at the construction site and at Habitat's HabiStore. Homeowner education classes and workshops are a mandatory part of the sweat equity requirement. The classes are designed to help future homeowners prepare for homeownership.

If you are interested in volunteering for upcoming Habitat for Humanity events, please contact Major Andres Benitez at 202-8592 or andres.benitez@dm.af.mil.