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UD ROTC cadet volunteers for Katrina relief
3:01 p.m., June 16, 2006--With several hours to spare between the end of his Air Force ROTC training in Biloxi, Miss., and his flight to New York on June 7, Enrique Vales, a University of Delaware sophomore chemistry major, joined six other ROTC cadets and helped an elderly couple rebuild their home, which was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Vales and the other cadets from other universities had just finished their training at Keesler Air Force Base when they decided to spend their spare time as volunteers with ULM Relief, a nonprofit organization located in Biloxi that helps local residents rebuild their homes. “I thought it was important to be part of the team of volunteers because I wanted to do a service for my country and help provide relief for the people who don't have homes,” Vales said. The cadets, who had no previous experience installing drywall, learned quickly and then spent several hours cutting the material and rebuilding the house. “It was definitely a satisfying experience,” Vales said. “They were very grateful that there were people like us who kept them in mind months after the disaster struck. I grew up all my life enjoying the freedom in this country. I realize how lucky I am, so I feel it is my obligation to serve.” “ULM Relief and the residents of Biloxi want to thank these compassionate students for their time and efforts in wanting to reach out and help others,” Traci Frees, a spokeswoman for ULM Relief, said. “The University of Delaware was well represented by Enrique.” For more information, visit [www.ulmrelief.com]. Article by Martin Mbugua |
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