Edwards 'Honey-Doers' help local seniors

  • Published
  • By Airman Stacy Garcia
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFPN) --  Airmen here are going beyond the base "walls" and contributing their time and talents in local communities by helping repair, clean and paint more than 120 senior citizens' homes.

The Honey Do Program offers monthly services for senior citizens who can no longer do the work themselves or afford to pay for the maintenance.

Senior citizens from Lancaster, Palmdale, Quartz Hill and Rosamond, Calif., place work orders though the Lancaster Senior Center.

In time of emergency, Honey Do Program volunteers respond every month to work orders helping members of the local community with any repairs needed to their homes.
 
"From carpeting and painting to landscaping and plumbing, we try and get as many volunteers and do as much as possible for these families who place their work orders one Saturday a month," said Staff Sgt. Angelo Rosales, 412th Maintenance Squadron munitions.

Though the program was started through the 412th MXS, it encourages anyone who is willing to volunteer their time to join.

"These past few months we have only had about five to seven volunteers, so we have only been able to do a few work orders," said Staff Sgt. Jessie Gregorio, 412th MXS munitions. "As long as anyone can volunteer their time to pick up a hammer or paint brush and come out and help, it would definitely help the program out."

Volunteers from the Honey Do Program try to visit as many homes as possible at least twice a month.

"Most of the time the senior citizens just love for us to visit," Sergeant Rosales said. "Sometimes we go for something as simple as programming a remote. But, the seniors mostly love us just coming over and chatting with them."

Member of the munitions flight have contributed approximately eight to 10 hours per month for the last 10 years. The Military Outstanding Service Medal is an incentive to Airmen who volunteer 300 or more hours.

"I got my service medal three years ago, and I still enjoy going out to the community every other week to contribute my time," Sergeant Rosales said. "It just feels really good to do something for the community."

The Honey Do Program not only helps local citizens. Volunteers also assist spouses and families of deployed or temporary-duty members in maintaining their homes, Sergeant Rosales said.

"Getting to help the community and showing your support is a great feeling, and I hope others will come out to join us," Sergeant Rosales said.