Security forces help hurricane victim

  • Published
  • By Capt. Kevin Tuttle
  • 45th Space Wing Public Affairs
PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFPN) --  We see them everywhere. At the gates. In their cars and our rearview mirrors. By the flightline.

They’re so omnipresent that many of us ignore them as part of the landscape.

However, at least one man in the civilian community can't miss the 45th Security Forces Squadron Airmen who helped him rebound from disaster.

Eleven squadron members and one spouse volunteered a Saturday to help a local senior citizen restore his home to a safe, liveable condition. Hurricanes in 2004 and floods from Hurricane Wilma this year rendered his home uninhabitable.

The homeowner, Benjamin Simpson of Cocoa, needed help. His insurance settlement did not go as far enough to return him to a home that was clean, dry and free of mold, said George Bovell, a retired chief master sergeant and volunteer caseworker for the Brevard Long Term Recovery Coalition, an arm of the United Way.

“This is where the men and women of the security forces stepped in,” Mr. Bovell said. “Twelve volunteers, led by Senior Master Sgt. Michael Lintz and Chief Master Sgt. Jerry Delebreau, went over to Mr. Simpson’s home and removed all the damaged carpet and prepared the house for mold remediation treatment.”

Mr. Bovell said the volunteers did a thorough cleaning job, which cleared up most of the health issues. Then they came back another day and made final roof repairs.

“One would have to have been there to appreciate the magnitude of the impact they made on Mr. Simpson's life,” he said.

One volunteer felt fortunate for the experience.

“You learn to appreciate everything you have when you see people who are not as fortunate,” said Dominica DeCoy, a reports and analysis security specialist.

Squadron commander Lt. Col. Lynden Skinner was floored by the Airmen’s generous actions.

“The holiday spirit is alive and well in the security forces squadron,” the colonel said. “These unselfish warriors gave up their precious time off to help someone less fortunate here at home.

“Despite 12-hour shifts and the demands of the holiday season, these folks stepped forward to help someone in need,” Colonel Skinner said. “I am very proud and awed by their gift.”