20th Bomb Squadron becomes angels to veterans

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman La'Shanette V. Garrett
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Members of the 20th Bomb Squadron have been giving back to the local community by volunteering their weekends to restore a local veteran's home for two years.

A Shreveport non-profit organization, Woody's Home for Veteran's, provides a home for veteran's suffering with chronic mental health issues.

The idea for Woody's home was established by Dr. Ronald Key, in honor of his late father, Woodrow "Woody" Key.

"In 1997 at my fathers' funeral I meet two gentlemen that no one in my family had met before, whom had been friends with my father for over 50 years," said Dr. Key. "After meeting with these two gentlemen, I was really touched by the bond they had with my father. At that point I knew I wanted to do something in his memory, just didn't know what yet."

After finding out that the nearest residential facility for veterans was 50 miles away, Dr. Key had a plan.

The first home was funded by Dr. Key and his partner. The gentlemen are not ill enough to be in a facility, like a hospital, all the time. They are ambulatory and able to take care of themselves. The main job of the caretakers is to make sure that they receive their medications on time and have a place to call home. As time went on more people got involved, creating a need for a second home.

"As we were working on Woody's II, Capt. Tim Miller, who organized the 20th BS participation, and his wife stopped by in December 2006, to see if there was anything they could do for us," said Dr. Key. "I replied yes, but I think he was thinking donations and stuff. I told him we have a second home that needs remodeling. I didn't think I would see or hear from him again."

With remodeling underway to create more room for the disabled veterans, Captain Miller, wing scheduler, made good on his promise of donations.

"It was obvious when I walked through the house with Dr. Key that this was not a small project and there was far too much physical work and technical issues that I couldn't fix myself," he said. "I approached the 20th BS director of operations and discussed the project with him. He promised me continued support from the squadron when it was needed and available."

The expertise of volunteers and their tools, including pry bars, utility knives, hammers, handsaws, circular saws, nail guns, compressors, drills, cordless screwdrivers and saw horses, were used in the remodeling.

"I would hope that as crazy as some people say I am for staying up all night to sand wood floors, that they realize the bigger picture," said Capt. Jeremy Blubaugh, former 20th BS volunteer. "Giving to the community, especially to those who have helped make this great country what it is today, is not just about serving...it's about giving back."

Although the 20th BS weren't the only ones getting their hands dirty, their hard work and dedication helped the project run a lot smoother.

"There are other organizations that helped out," said Dr. Key. "But the 20th BS just came in here like a military unit and took over and got the job done. Without them, I can't say that it wouldn't have gotten done--it just got finished more professionally, in a quicker manner and at a much lower cost. We feel like they are not only our angels but our partners."

For more information on Woody's Home for Veterans, visit www.woodyshomeforveterans.org or call 318-425-1928.