Sgt. Dallas Keck, Section Chief from 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division touches up garage trim paint. (Photo courtesy of 2nd Lt. Sheme Hicks | U.S. Army)

2nd Lt. Sheme Hicks | Special to Hawaii 24/7

Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division and 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd SBCT joined Habitat for Humanity’s Neighborhood Renovation Initiative in Waimea on Nov 16.

During a training break at the Pohakuloa Training Area, Chaplain (Cpt.) Carlos Whitley, 1-27 Infantry Battalion’s chaplain, showed soldiers a new way to serve by volunteering along side of Habitat for Humanity West Hawaii during a home restoration project in Waimea.

The soldiers executed roof work, painting and clean up on the Chong’s family home.

Habitat for Humanity West Hawaii has been a proactive organization in the communities of the Big Island. Specifically, in Waimea, it has restored three homes on the same block in the last year.

Sayer Houseal, project site manager, said, “Most homes in this area have bugs and mold and are in need of plumbing and electrical repairs.”

The Neighborhood Renovation Initiative allows community homeowners to receive the repairs they need with a lessened financial burden.

The restoration was more than just a good deed for the Chong family. It also allowed 1-27 Inf. to show their appreciation for the area.

“It is important for us to give back to the community for allowing us to train here at PTA,” Whitley said.

1-27 Inf. deployed to the Big Island to qualify crews on the M2 .50 caliber machine gun and MK-19 automatic grenade launcher using the Stryker Remote Weapon Station.

The Pohakuloa Training Area provides the best location for the Wolfhounds to conduct live fire training necessary to qualify crews.

The soldiers were thrilled to take a break from training and serve the community.

“It is great to serve during training breaks,” said Sgt. Dallas Keck, 2-11 FA’s Section Chief. “It is actually my first time volunteering in uniform.”

Keck also said participating in events like this helps to promote a great image of soldiers on the Big Island.

“Instead of just seeing us riding in our vehicles; they now see us on the ground assisting in the community,” he said.

Aniku Chong, the third of six children in the home, was just as excited to interact with soldiers.

“It’s a blessing for my family to receive help from volunteers around the community, but it’s a new experience to interact with soldiers. You guys are cool,” Aniku said.

Toward the end of the work day, the community’s elders and more volunteers arrived at the home and thanked the soldiers for taking the time to help. They were very appreciative, and showed their gratitude by preparing a huge meal for the soldiers.

Upon completion of the home, Houseal acknowledged that help from the soldiers put the Chong’s house project ahead of schedule.

“You guys accomplished in one work day what would have taken my team more than a week and a half,” Houseal said.

This project expanded soldiers’ knowledge about Hawaii’s communities and promoted the community’s awareness of the U.S. Army Hawaii.

After a fulfilling and rewarding volunteer initiative, the Wolfhounds and Cobras said goodbye to their new friends in the Waimea community and returned to the PTA to continue their training mission.

Wolfhounds and Cobras join to take a picture before saying goodbye to the Waimea community. Soldiers learned a new way to serve by volunteering along side of Habitat for Humanity West Hawaii during a home restoration project. (Photo courtesy of 2nd Lt. Sheme Hicks | U.S. Army)