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Cadets build homes during spring break

Cadet Volunteer Service 2016

Then-Cadet 2nd Class Leah Gates (left) and then-Cadet 4th Class Luke Robinson shovel dirt into a wheelbarrow in Corpus Christi, Texas, March 22, 2016, during an Alternate Spring Break Program volunteer effort with Habitat for Humanity. (Air Force photo/John Van Winkle)

 

By Maureen Welch, U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs /Published March 27, 2017

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. —

Scores of cadets are building and repairing homes today across the U.S.

The 110 cadet-volunteers taking part in the Alternate Spring Break Program here will return April 2 from working in Lafayette and Mandeville, Louisianna; Eglin, Illinois; Fort Smith, Arkansas; Fairfield, Alabama; Hattiesburg and Tupelo, Mississippi; and Beaumont, Texas.

“This is the largest number [of cadets] who have participated in the program,” said Capt. Jennifer Greer of the Academy’s Center for Character and Leadership Development.

Cadet-volunteers teamed with Habitat for Humanity volunteers to build and repair homes.

“I’ve wanted to participate in Habitat for Humanity since middle school,” said Cadet 3rd Class Molly Olmos. “When I heard the Academy offers it, I knew I had to sign up.”

So far this academic year, the cadets have completed more than 31,000 hours of community service.

“As an international student, I want to make an impact on American society,” said Cadet 2nd Class Dan Neghina of Moldova. “Habitat for Humanity is a good opportunity to do that.”

The Alternate Spring Break Program began at the Academy in 1999. It’s funded by the Center of Character and Leadership Development and Academy donors.