Page 3 - Aerotech News and Review, July 7 2017

Lockheed Martin donates to Habitat for Heroes
by Linda KC Reynolds
staff writer
Veterans are one step closer to mov- ing into their new homes in Santa Clarita and soon a new neighborhood for veterans will be built in Palmdale, thanks to Habitat for Humanity and hundreds of volunteers, including Lockheed Martin employees.
Aerospace industry volunteers re- cently painted flashing, mixed and poured cement for sidewalks, and re- inforced framing in homes that will soon be ready for low-income veterans and their families. The Habitat housing project in Santa Clarita consists of 78 homes.
“It’s such a blessing and heartwarm- ing to be working alongside Lockheed and other volunteers,” said retired Army veteran Mark Johnson, who will be purchasing a home in Santa Clarita. Johnson is a single parent with three children. “I would never be able to af- ford such a beautiful home if it wasn’t for this program and volunteers.”
Veterans must put in 500 hours of sweat equity as a part of paying for their homes. Johnson said that he has been coming every Saturday for the past year to do his part. “I really count my blessings every day and I wish I knew how to express how thankful I am.” He paused to wipe his eyes and catch his breath. “This is what makes this country so great.”
Katelyn Humphrey, a Lockheed Martin aerospace engineer associ-
See HABITAT, Page 5
Photograph by Linda KC Reynolds
Lockheed Martin donates $15,000 to Habitat for Humanity and volunteers help to build homes for low-income veterans. Seventy-eight homes will soon be completed in Santa Clarita and there was a July 5 ground breaking ceremony in Palmdale for 56 new homes.
Members of the Santa Clarita Quilters Guild make a quilt for every veteran who closes escrow on a Habitat for Humanity home.
Photographs by Linda KC Reynolds
Photograph by Linda KC Reynolds
Brittney Falkenberg and Chanel Johnson help paint flashing at a Habitat for Humanity housing development for veterans. Both ladies said that volunteering a few hours can make a huge impact for our veterans.
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