Service Members Find New Way to Give Back, With Habitat for Humanity

By Bella McCarey
Co-Editor-in-Chief

Around the United States this past Patriot’s Day, people celebrated their pride and appreciation for this country and for those serving in the military.

The National Journal reported people, especially military servicemen and veterans, laying flowers down on a bench in Washington DC that represents victims from the 9/11 attacks.

NewYork.CBSlocal.com covered the ceremonies held at the World Trade Center Memorial and 9/11 Museum, as families remembered loved ones whom they lost during the attacks.

Red Lion came together on Patriot’s Day to serve the community along with men and women who had already served their community in the military.

Participants of the first official Habitat for Humanity 2014-2015 season consisted of Officer Mark Greenley, Mr. Cal Vanada and Mrs. Val Stone.

“It only makes sense, spending the day giving back because of all those who lost their lives on this day, and those who serve and protect us daily,” said Dr. Scott Deisley. To Dr. Deisley, it was inspirational to see how far the house has come and to see that process continue on a day like Patriot’s Day.

“I like to come here a couple times a month, when my schedule allows,” he said. “And I think our participation will increase. More folks are signing up than we can use.”

The student response for Habitat has been very positive since the start last spring. Mr. Grant Gouker reports many students signed up last year, and even more signed up this year.

Junior McKayla Cooley was one of the student volunteers on Patriot’s Day. “I do it because it’s a good cause, like helping the family out,” she said. “I live nearby, so everyday I got to see how it progressed.”

Cooley, as well as the other volunteers, were working on placing up drywall in the main rooms of the house. Loud noises from hammers, drills, and boisterous chatter filled the house. Officer Greenley was found wedged in a wall, hammering dry wall.

“I was skeptical at first, about coming today, but it has been great,” said Officer Greenley. “I really wanted to forget the tragedy of today, so it was a great way to forget and remember by representing the school and the Air Force.”

Lending a hand to a great cause was certainly one way to forget the tragedy associated with that day. Red Lion has always been a community that bands together in times of need and the Habitat house is a representation of the district.

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