Misawa group sets out to build for humanity

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Allison Day
  • 35th Fighter Wing public affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  A few volunteers are getting in on the ground floor of something new and exciting here at Misawa.

These volunteers gathered at the Davy Jones Locker here on the evening of Nov. 29 to discuss their plans for the future of a brand new organization, Habitat for Humanity, Misawa.

The new organization is the dream of Capt. Jeremy Huffaker, 610th Aircraft Control Squadron commander.

"As a child growing up in the Appalachian Mountains of East Tennessee, I observed the way poverty and substandard housing affected many people," said Captain Huffaker. "In 2006, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to volunteer in India as part of the Jimmy Carter Work Project. It was a blitz build. During that time, we built 100 homes for families. Habitat made it possible."

This trip was his inspiration to start a Habitat for Humanity here, he said.

"I doubt I would have ever ventured to India from the states," said Captain Huffaker. "After returning to Misawa and sharing the experience, many people were asking how I got involved. The need for a Habitat, Misawa became apparent. There are many people who want to help with the Habitat mission and a number of organizations that are able to contribute financial support located here at Misawa."

Although there is not a critical need for social support here in Japan, there is still a lot this new organization can do.

"I feel that an organization like Habitat for Humanity, Misawa can raise awareness, funding and organize volunteers to participate in many of Habitat International's ongoing projects in the Asia Pacific region," said Captain Huffaker.

Many people throughout the world are homeless because of poverty. The goal of Habitat for Humanity is to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action according to the Habitat Web site.

"I've spoken with many people who have been encouraging and excited about the beginning of Habitat here at Misawa," said Captain Huffaker. "Their enthusiasm for Habitat is incredible and I hope it will catch on."

Some of the volunteers have worked with Habitat before.

"I was involved in the start up of a Habitat for Humanity in Colorado," said Maj. Matthew Duston, 35th Civil Engineer Squadron chief of operations. "It's very different doing it here. Back in the states, there are no individual costs and you can get donations. In addition, getting to the site is easier. Here, we need to travel to build homes and the costs to actually get to a build will be higher."

However, the challenges are not discouraging to the excited volunteers.

"I got involved with this because it's an opportunity to go help people who need it," said Petty Officer First Class Quincey Durham, Combined Task Force 72 aviation warfare systems operator. "I'm looking forward to this organization getting off the ground. It's an excellent chance to do something different that no one else is doing. And I get the chance to travel."

The goals of the organization right now are to raise funds for future trips and to decide as an organization where they will go for their first build.

"The Tsunami recovery program is still ongoing in Thailand and a trip there will allow us to continue with much of the work that needs to be done in Udan, Thailand," said Captain Huffaker. "To be effective, Habitat needs people who are willing to commit to the time it takes to plan, manage and guide Habitat, Misawa."

One of the key persons in the new organization is Erin Leonard who is the trip planner.

"I've always wanted to help out with Habitat for Humanity," said Mrs. Leonard who is also a Red Cross volunteer. "This is exciting to have the opportunity to start with this organization from scratch. At this time, we are also focusing on a trip to Mongolia to be involved in a build there. Everyone that I've spoken to in other Habitat for Humanity organizations has been really helpful. We all have a common goal."

And that goal is to provide houses to the world's poor.

"We are still in need of individuals to fill key positions," said Captain Huffaker. "Habitat, Misawa is a worthy mission with an obvious purpose and a meaningful result."

For more information, call Captain Huffaker at 222-5027 or e-mail him at Jeremy.huffaker@gmail.com.