Nellis Airmen house families in need Published Oct. 7, 2010 By 1st Lt. Nicole Singer 547th Intelligence Squadron NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Ten members of the 547th Intelligence Squadron recently spent a day volunteering here in Las Vegas with Habitat for Humanity. Airman 1st Class Creighton Nelson, an advanced tactics analyst, headed up the event. "I think it's important for us to get out there and show the community we care," he said. "Habitat is a great cause; it was excellent to work with them." According to their website, Habitat for Humanity builds safe, decent, affordable homes for families who currently lack adequate shelter. Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat and its homeowner families have built or rehabilitated more than 350,000 houses. The Airmen spent the day hard at work constructing two homes for needy families. The various tasks included framing, setting brackets, placing reinforcements, raising walls and constructing roofing supports. "It's hard work, but so rewarding," said Staff Sgt. Jessica Brede, NCO in charge of exercises and training. "It's wonderful to think that families will be living in homes that we helped build; it's empowering." Sergeant Brede and Staff Sergeant Donald Tomczak, NCO in charge of the Advanced Tactics Element, have been repeat volunteers, offering weekends and evenings to see the homes completed. Airman 1st Class Matthew House, a targets analyst, was also happy to volunteer. "These homes will go to benefit some of Las Vegas' neediest families and will provide a positive example for future generations," he said.
