Fighting Tigers help in Habitat for Humanity project

Special to Clay Today

MIDDLEBURG-The "Fighting Tigers" of Patrol Squadron 8 participated in a Clay County Habitat for Humanity community relations project, Feb. 21. According to their website, Habitat for Humanity International was founded in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller. Today, Habitat for Humanity is a true world leader in addressing the issues of poverty housing. Through the work of Habitat, thousands of low-income families have found new hope in the form of affordable housing. Churches, community groups and others have joined together to successfully tackle a significant social problem, decent housing for all.

Eleven sailors volunteered to help the entity build a three bedroom home, lying down tar paper and roof panels. The volunteers started early in the morning working as a team to get the job done.

"It feels great and rewarding knowing you are part of a project that is going to benefit and make a difference in a family in need," said Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Walter Murillo a native of Miami. "It also helps me appreciate and value more the things that I have."

According to the Clay County Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Coordinator Pamela Portridge the military as- sistance to the organization is essential to their success. Almost 80 percent of their volunteers come from the military.

The home will be assigned for sale with no interest rate to make the payments affordable for qualifying family.

This is the first of several COMREL projects VP-8 plans to participate in since coming back from deployment last December, leading to a series of future events with different non-profit entities.

"In my opinion, we, in the military are an extremely blessed group of people. Not only is working for others humbling, but also part of our ethos as service members," said Naval Aircrewman (Avionics) 2nd Class Mark Willard.

"Furthermore, we should strive to be an example for those around us, as we are highly esteemed by the public, youth in particular," added the Mount Vernon Ind. native.

The Jacksonville, Fla., based "Fighting Tigers" are undergoing deployment readiness workups, in preparation for their upcoming deployment.

PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS PEDRO A. RODRIGUEZ