Point of Contact: Nancy L. Crook, Public Affairs Division Director Release No. 04-18
(904) 542-3168, extension 161
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 23, 2004

It’s hammer time for depot sailors
By Shelly Sikes Diaz, NAVAIR Depot, Jacksonville Public Affairs Specialist

The Sailors of Naval Air (NAVAIR) Depot Jacksonville gathered on August 19, 2004, to help build a house for a low-income family. The stifling heat and humidity was no match for their enthusiasm, as they worked in the blazing sun to the sound of pounding hammers and buzzing saws.

Clay County Habitat for Humanity hosted the project. It is an annual event for the depot Sailors, and the first of four Habitat volunteer events in which the Sailors will participate this year. Anita Hinkel, Habitat’s construction site supervisor, said the Navy has been a big support. “We have to stagger construction due to tax credit laws. This can make scheduling difficult, so it’s great to have a reliable volunteer source,” said Hinkel. She went on to say that Navy volunteers were incredibly enthusiastic and energetic.

The military makes up a small percentage of the depot workforce- only 33 of the almost 4,000 depot employees are military. Twenty-one Sailors gathered to build the home. Executive Officer John Scanlan joined the team, working alongside sailors of varying rank.

CMC John Bandor coordinated the depot’s efforts. He was pleased with the support the project received. “Our group was large and enthusiastic. We worked so hard we actually got ahead of the foreman,” Bandor noted. He commended his team for working hard and avoiding injuries in the “brutal heat.” Temperatures soared into the nineties by mid-morning, and the humidity made the situation even more miserable.

SK1 Travice Anderson didn’t let the heat or humidity spoil his first Habitat event. “It was hot but fun,” he noted. He went on to say that he picked up some nice carpentry skills, and is now handy with a skill saw. He hopes to see the finished house before he deploys on the USS John F. Kennedy. “It was amazing to see a house go up that fast. I didn’t mind the work or the heat. It was a privilege to contribute to such a good cause,” Anderson said.