Firefighters build home

  • Published
  • By Airman Kate Walker
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
Usually when you call in the fire department, a home or property is being destroyed, but this time is different. This time, the fire department is building a home. A group of firefighters from Ellsworth Air Force Base joined the Black Hills Area Habitat for Humanity to volunteer as a squadron and help a family in need.

"Basically just to get the guys together get them a chance for a nice outing collectively as a group allow them to feel the success of what they did to allow someone to move into a house that's adequately built." - TSgt. Justin Kovarik Fire Protection Station Chief

But a house wasn't the only thing these firefighters were building.

"Oh, it was awesome. I mean, guys at the station, they tend to have a good bond and I'm relatively new, I've only been here for a few weeks so I'm trying to weasel my way in with the family. So I figured this was a good bonding experience. We're in here joking around, but still here for a good cause." - A1C Taylor Messer

And whether they've been working together for a few weeks or several years, it's all about working together to help someone in need.

"I've done it on a couple occasions...the look in their eyes when they see that you've built them a house that they can live in with their families, it's pretty good." - A1C Mitchell Carrell

"I'm glad to have my part in it." - A1C Messer

Reporting from Box Elder, South Dakota, I'm Airman Kate Walker.