MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. – -- Marines with Marine Wing Communications Squadron 28 brushed sweat off their brows while moving dry-wall during a veterans home build volunteer activity at Pamlico County, North Carolina, July 27.
More than 30 Marines volunteered through the Marine Corps Single Marine Program to assist in the construction of a home being built for Marine Corps veteran Warren Cottrell and his family.
“To see these Marines out here helping us build our house reminds me of the time I spent in the Corps,” said Cottrell. “The willing attitude they bring and the camaraderie they share with each other makes this experience even more memorable.”
Cottrell was injured in combat during his tour of service in the Marine Corps. His family was chosen by a board to receive a new home.
According to Jen Merlo, the SMP coordinator, the Marines of MWCS-28 are actively involved in numerous volunteer activities with the SMP to include the home build.
“The squadron always has eager Marines willing to lend a hand in the construction process even on short notice,” said Merlo.
Marines from MWCS-28 and across 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing volunteered to build the house from the ground up since the project began in July 2014, said Merlo.
“I am very thankful for the Marines that come out here every weekend and volunteer their free time to help a veteran and his family,” explained Cottrell.
The Marines get the opportunity to help better their community, while establishing relationships with other members of their squadrons outside of their work environment, said Merlo.
“We see a lot of Marines come out with their squadron for the first time and then return on their own or with friends because they feel a sense of accomplishment from the work they are doing,” explained Merlo. “They are not only creating great bonds with the community, but they are learning new things about themselves and the Marines they work with on a regular basis. Knowing their fellow Marines in a more personal matter allows them to unify together as a squadron.”