Nov. 10, 2004

Charleston, SC - Every year, The Citadel varsity sports teams are asked to give back to their community by volunteering their time to some sort of community service project. In 2003, the rifle team chose to help by volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. The team enjoyed it so much, they decided to return this year to help out with the organization.

Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization that gathers volunteers and donations to help build houses for families that otherwise would not be able to afford decent living conditions. These families are also required to assist with the construction of the house, which allows the volunteers to get a one on one experience with the people that they are helping.

This past October, The Citadel rifle team aided in building a house for an underprivileged family. The team took on different projects such as shingling a roof, installing insulation and installing trusses. Each cadet worked from 8:00 am until noon. It was a rewarding experience for each of them and the team made a mutual decision to help out with Habitat for Humanity again next year. Here is what the rifle team has to say about their experience with Habitat for Humanity:

"I worked with Habitat for Humanity throughout high school. It was great to get back involved with it and to share the experience with my teammates. I can't wait until we are able to go out there and help out again." Junior shooter Amara Atella

"I felt that by getting out there and helping build a house was a rewarding experience and really made me feel like I made a difference for someone." Junior shooter Vanessa Swan

"Its nice to see that people still pitch in and help others they don't even know in this day and age." Senior shooter Jason Dickinson

"I am very glad that the rifle team got to participate in bettering the community by working with Habitat for Humanity to build a house for those less fortunate." Junior shooter Evan Rishel

"I feel that community service is vital to the development of the well rounded individual and coincides with the core values that The Citadel instills in young people. Furthermore, I believe that Habitat for Humanity is perhaps the most influential service that one could provide with regards to positively impacting your fellow community members. All in all, this organization is a resounding success in which all young people should affiliate themselves with." Freshman shooter Nathan Delph

"I thought it was a great experience, because it makes you feel good helping others better their lives. In society, we are all in it together so helping someone else only betters others as well. It was also great working with a young 10-year-old girl who was helped by Habitat for Humanity. Just to see her laugh, smile, and be involved in helping us help others is wonderful." Senior shooter Sarah Deuschle