2nd AMU gives back at home and on the road Published Feb. 17, 2010 By Captain Tygina Bibbs 2nd Aircraft Maintenance Unit TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- When the 2nd Aircraft Maintenance Unit isn't maintaining 25 F-15s to support the 2nd Fighter Squadron's flying operations, it is giving back to the local community. It's community service in Panama City has ranged from rebuilding the Taunton Children Family Home, to helping care for animals at the local animal shelters. Recently, the 2nd AMU deployed 60 personnel for two weeks to Kelly Annex, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, to provide maintenance of six F-15s, as the 2nd FS supported the 149th Fighter Wing F-16 Formal Training Unit Dissimilar Air Combat Training phase. But, the deployed Airmen did not let the distance stop them from keeping up their community service tradition. They decided to serve the San Antonio community by reaching out to the local Habitat for Humanity. Each day, volunteers went to either the warehouse to build walls or the construction site to assemble the homes. They worked a full day and didn't stop until they built a set of walls for an entire three-bedroom house. After the walls were built, they were taken to the construction site where the home will be located. Several of the Airmen had previous experience in construction, but those without any construction skills were of just as much use. "I came here without any carpentry skills but the Habitat for Humanity construction managers had the patience to teach me what I needed to know so not only was I able to provide a service but I learned some very useful skills as well," said Master Sgt. Brad Edman, 2nd AMU lead production superintendent. It was the largest group of volunteers the San Antonio branch of Habitat for Humanity had ever seen. "The 2nd AMU was very energetic, very enthusiastic, very efficient, and fast," said Bill Kroupa, Vice President of construction. "They had great attitudes." The San Antonio branch of Habitat for Humanity has a goal of building 54 houses this year and the 2nd AMU helped it get one home closer to reaching that goal. "As a first time homebuyer myself, it feels good to know that I have helped someone achieve such a fantastic milestone in life of owning their own home," says Tech Sgt. Jeremy Snell, 2nd AMU avionics specialist. "I hope to have you all out on the construction site someday," said Sarah Arredondo, volunteer coordinator for the Habitat for Humanity San Antonio branch. "You have a great team and we would love to have you volunteer your time again. Thank you so much." Although the day was long and the work was hard, the 2nd AMU walked away with a great feeling of pride.