Cadets help build dream over spring break

  • Published
  • By Sheila Rupp
  • Nucleus Journalist
TOME, N.M. (AFNEWS) --  Spring break can be a time to travel, relax and catch up on sleep, but not for students at the U.S. Air Force Academy.  A group of cadets are building a home this week as part of Habitat for Humanity's Collegiate Challenge program.

The Collegiate Challenge is a year-round program that allows students to participate in Habitat for Humanity projects while on breaks from their studies. Sixty cadets are part of the Collegiate Challenge this year, with 10 students at the Tome, N.M., site. Work on the Tome house took place March 26-30, which is part of the Academy's spring break that began March 22 and continues through April 1.

The group of academy cadets are joining thousands of college students nationwide that have given up time off from their studies to help build homes for families in need.

The group of cadets that participated at the Tome site is led by Cadet 1st Class Casey Probst. Cadet Probst said she participated in the program as a freshman at the academy and is excited to be volunteering again.

"I had a great time, and it's just a really good feeling about it after participating," Cadet Probst said.

Although there was an optional day off during the week, Cadet Probst said she chose to work on the home.

Habitat for Humanity has built more than 200,000 homes in 100 countries since its founding in 1976. Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit Christian ecumenical housing ministry that builds simple, decent, affordable housing in partnership with those that are in need of adequate housing. The Youth Programs department was founded in 1987, when a group of Baylor University students formed a student chapter. Youth Programs now consists of high school and college students and supports the national organization in promoting youth involvement.

The alternative spring break program is part of the Cadet Service Learning section, Excellence Division, of the Center for Character Development at the academy. Cadets have participated in the Habitat for Humanity Collegiate Challenge during spring break for the past seven years.

During the 2005-06 academic year, cadets volunteered more nearly 40,000 of community service on various projects. Maj. Eric Ecklund of the Center for Character Development said that the alternative spring break program for the Collegiate Challenge is one of the pinnacle events of Cadet Service Learning. "These cadets are sacrificing their vacations to provide a family in need," Major Ecklund said.

The mission of the Center for Character Development is to facilitate character development programs throughout all aspects of the academy experience and the Excellence Division, Cadet Service Learning, organizes community service activities to help cadets provide assistance to the community while developing leadership and organization skills. 

Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link)

Click here to view the comments/letters page