Edwards AFB News

Edwards 'Honey-Doers' help local seniors

  • Published
  • By Airman Stacy Garcia
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Team Edwards is trying to go beyond the base "walls" and contribute their time and talents in the local communities by helping repair, clean and paint more than 120 senior citizens' homes.

The Honey Do Program offers monthly services to senior citizens who can no longer accomplish the work themselves or afford to have the maintenance contracted.

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

In time of emergency, the 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, they encourage anyone who is willing to volunteer their time to join. Currently the program has around 20 volunteers, but with time, the program hopes to increase that number.

Younger Airmen, who are away from home for the first time, should grab this opportunity to help out senior citizens who can't afford service, Sergeant Rosales said. Through this program, Airmen can make sure these people are taken care of and get the help and service they need.

This program is not only for enlisted members. Family members and sponsors can also come out to show their support and volunteers their time as well.

"Lately these past few months though, 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 a paint brush and come out and help. It would definitely help the program out."

The Honey Do program tries to make it out to as many homes at least twice a month -- once during the first of the month and once during the end of the 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, and as an incentive to Airmen who volunteer 300 hours or more, they receive the Military Outstanding Service Medal.

"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."

During the annual volunteer recognition ceremonies at the Lancaster Senior Center, Michael Antonovich, Los Angeles County 5th District supervisor, and Steve Baker, Grace Resource Center director, offered laudatory remarks for the hard work the Honey Do Program has done for the communities.

The Honey Do Program not only helps local citizens, the program also assists spouses and families of deployed or temporary duty personnel in maintaining daily household chores including forced housing moves and landscaping, Sergeant Rosales said.

The programs goal is to try and increase the number of volunteers to help as many of the citizens in the local area as possible, he 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.