Military Veterans of the United States Armed Forces are some of the hardest working and most
disciplined individuals you can have on your team. The Norco College Veterans
Club which is comprised of military veterans and family members of veterans is
no exception to the rule. They strive to help locally, regionally and support
troops on the frontlines with care packages and clothing items.

This past Friday (May 2, 2014) the Club volunteered to
partner with Habitat’s “A Brush with Kindness Project” in the Village Riverside
Mobile Home Park. Their Mission was to paint the home of Patti, who is a senior
citizen with severe arthritis, living on a fixed income. Patti has been living
in the park for 10 years and management finally asked her to paint the unit.
The trim of the home was faded, several areas were weather stained, and the
rear of the home looked like someone had been throwing eggs at it.

This entire endeavor was no problem for Joshua who is the
president of the Norco Veterans Club and an Iraq veteran himself. Joshua and
the Club members arrived early with donuts and coffee ready to get to work. Once
Dave the Habitat for Humanity Riverside paint day project manager went over all rules and safety guidelines the veterans club was ready to cross the line of departure. The
paint day kicked off at 0900 sharp and was conducted in a very proficient
military manner. The temperature was in the mid 60’s but rising fast so the
Club members estimated where the sun would be at noon and painted there first.
This turned out to be a great idea since temperatures got into the mid 90’s. The
home owner Patti was very aware of the weather and provided cold beverages and
snacks for the club members.

As the paint was brushed onto the home it was as if years of
weathering were being removed from it.

The homes old color was an off white  with a yellowish tinge from wear. The new beige and brown were welcomed tenants to the skin of the home. You could tell work was almost over because some of the veterans in the club started telling war stories. Dave quickly reminded
everyone it was getting hot, and some of the vets told Dave he didn’t know heat
until he was in 130 degree weather in Kuwait in full battle gear running
security patrols. Dave agreed and work continued for another 30 minutes.

 At precisely 1300 the job was finished. Pattie was already outside of the home with tears of joy in her eyes and she gave Dave a huge hug. The home looked 10 years younger and
Patti was overjoyed with the outcome.

This paint day was very organized and a big success due to
the hard work and effort of the Norco College Veterans Club. Volunteering is
nothing new to the members of this club. It was an honor and a privilege to
have the opportunity to work beside so many that have gave so much for freedom.

Thank you Norco College Veterans Club for giving Patti’s
home a cosmetic overhaul.