Airmen team up to help veterans in need

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Timm Huffman
  • 439th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. --  Reservists from the 439th Airlift Wing and Massachusetts Air National Guardsmen from the 104th Fighter Wing converged in downtown Springfield May 12 to support veterans in need.
    
     The Airmen teamed up with the non-profit, Rebuilding Together in Springfield, to do a one-day remodel of a 12 person transitional housing unit for veterans.

     The remodeling project gave the house a much needed makeover and had the Airmen painting, landscaping and cleaning.

     This is a veterans home and it's a very important organization for me because... I've been in the Air Force going on 22 years now, said Senior Master Sgt. Neil Sherman, 439th Recruiting Service.

     Colonel Robert Swain, Commander of the 439th Airlift Wing, was also present and spoke to the volunteers.

     "If you look at your t-shirts, they say 'Heroes at Home'.  To us veterans you are our heroes because you support us day in and day out. From veterans past, present and future, I thank you for all the work you do," he said.

     The home is operated by the Western Massachusetts Bilingual Veteran's Association. It gives veterans in need a chance to get back on their feet and connects them with counseling and job placement services.

     "[It] is a transitional home for homeless veterans that houses 12 veterans. It was opened up in 1996 and serves the purpose of making sure our veterans don't stay out in the streets," The bilingual veterans association's executive director, Mr. Gumersindo Gomez, said.

     The Airmen worked side-by-side with other community members who donated their time. Various local and national companies also made financial and material donations.