JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas –
Members from the First Sergeant Council at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph devoted nearly 100 hours to help build a home for a San Antonio family in need.
"From giving donations to spreading the word about a cause, any contribution counts, but none replaces rolling up the sleeves and putting in hands-on work," Master Sgt. Jason Hill, JBSA-Randolph First Sergeant Council president, said.
"It's important to make ties with the community," Hill said. "It's the right thing to do."
Another council member said volunteering for the community from a military standpoint establishes a mutually beneficial relationship.
"They support us and we support them," Master Sgt. David Wilcox said.
By taking advantage of opportunities to team-build in the way they did by constructing a home, the group of senior NCOs hope to "lead the way for Airmen," Hill said.
"Setting an example is a residual effect," he added. "You shouldn't volunteer just to be a leader or to build your resume; that will come naturally."
Instead, helping the community "builds the whole Airman concept," Chief Master Sgt. Sandy Pfeffer said. "Volunteering makes for a better Airman."
"I love doing this," Master Sgt. Jose Silva said, dressed in blue jeans and work boots near the home-in-progress for a mother and her five children. "Anything that gets me out of the office and helping people out, I'm all for it."