A volunteer crew from Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 61 (VR-61) “Islanders” pitched in with Habitat for Humanity of Island County on Sept. 15 to help Navy veteran Mike and Patty Dayley with their modest mobile home they purchased a year ago after their marriage.
“The skirting on the home was destroyed and the front and back porches were in a poor and unsafe condition,” said Sadi Foltz, Development Director for Habitat. “The Navy group helped demolish the skirting and replaced it.
Volunteering were Aviation Structural Mechanic Airman Victore Manaor, Naval Aircrewman (Mechanical) 2nd Class (NAC/AW) Jasmine Clock, Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Sylvia Mora, Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class June Santa Maria, Aviation Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class (SW) Jessica Taylor, Naval Aircrewman (Mechanical) 1st Class (NAC/AW) Tim Cossey, Aviation Electrician’s Mate 2nd Class Keith Armstrong, and Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 2nd Class Mark Julaton, Aviation Maintenance Administrationman Airman Daniell Thomas.
According to Cossey, who is a VR-61 C-40A Crew Chief NATOPS Instructor, the group put in eight hours removing deteriorated skirting; building and installing framework for the new skirting; and installing stairs for the front deck.
“It was an honor to help a shipmate and Cold War veteran,” said Cossey. “Mr. Dayley and I served in some of the same areas back in the 80’s. It was nice hearing someone else’s sea stories that I could relate to. There was a sense of pride and we all had fun giving back to someone who had served and deserved our help.”
The project was also made possible with a grant from Home Depot said Foltz.