Travis Airmen lend a hand

Published April 19, 2013
By Airman 1st Class Madelyn Brown
60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --
Airmen from Travis Air Force Base joined forces with community members to volunteer through Rebuilding Together Solano County April 9 through 13 to restore a highly used community facility to operational health and safety standard.

The Rio Vista Community and Senior Center is a multifunctional facility that houses seven different organizations, some of which include: the senior center, Meals on Wheels, Alcoholics Anonymous, Weight Watchers and an Alzheimer's support group.

Rebuilding Together Solano County is a nonprofit organization with a mission to repair and rehabilitate homes for low-income seniors, veterans and disabled homeowners as well as community facilities in the County with the partnership of local companies, residents and service organizations.

Elizabeth Hoffman, Rebuilding Together Solano County executive director, has been with the project since 2009.

"Last year, Rebuilding Together discovered that the exterior of the building had originally been put up improperly, causing water damage throughout the facility," she said. "We were able to fix this issue as well as install a concrete reinforced ramp, steps and a porch in the front of the building to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act standard."

This year, the team moved inside the facility, where plans to implement new ADA toilets for senior citizens, ceiling fans, new flooring and kitchens among other repairs are currently underway.

Many of the volunteers who make the project a success are members of one of the organizations the facility houses.

Airman 1st Class Luke Whitney, 60th Civil Engineer Squadron heavy equipment operator, contributed to the project by moving and constructing furniture, painting and working with dry wall.

It's easy to recognize the impact such a facility can have upon the community, he said.

"This type of community and senior center fosters a culture of growth and community among individuals," Whitney said. "Being a part of the rehabilitation is also an opportunity for me to connect with area outside of the base, which is paramount."

In addition to the Airmen and community volunteers, two council members, Dave Hampton and Rio Vista Vice Mayor Constance Boulware, have contributed daily volunteer time to the reconstruction.

Local businesses were able to support the project in their backyard by offering major discounts or donating furniture and specialized services, such as asbestos and mold extraction.

"The name Rebuilding Together Solano County is a true reflection of what the organization is able to do through military members, community residents and local businesses," Hoffman said.

For Whitney, community outreach is a part of being an Airman.

"To truly serve, the country goes beyond showing up for your daily job," he said. "It includes helping those in a time of need."