COMMUNITY
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Louie Magcalas (left) and Airman 1st Class Andre Castro, Air Control Squadron cyber systems technicians, are instructed by David Elston, Habitat for Humanity of Central Arizona volunteer house leader, on proper use of a miter saw during a Habitat for Humanity volunteer event Dec. 13.
SERVICE IS THE MISSION Luke AFB airmen scramble into Habitat project
Above: Staff Sgt Cole Failla (left), and Airman 1st Class Jakob Schofield construct a wall during a Habitat for Humanity volunteer event Dec. 13.
Right: Airman 1st Class Quinn Hartley assembles a frame.
BY DAVID KENNARD A IRMEN WITH THE 607TH AIR CONTROL SQUADRON ROLLED UP THEIR SLEEVES IN BUCKEYE IN December, partnering with Habitat for Humanity to build a new home. The volunteer effort, coordinated through Luke Air Force Base, brought airmen to the construction site to pour concrete, frame walls and prepare the house for finishing work. A Luke AFB spokesperson said the hands-on project reflects the teamwork the squadron brings to its mission and the community. The 1,600-square-foot home is rising at 411 4th Ave. East in Buckeye’s Valencia neighborhood. It is scheduled for completion in April and will feature accessible design elements throughout, according to Anne Mickey, community engagement manager at Habitat’s Phoenix office.
The veteran-led project allowed the 607th to translate their service ethos into meaningful work off base, organizers said, strengthening ties with the city and the neighbor who will soon call the house home. “Their work contributes to one of more than 250 volunteer events Luke Air Force Base airmen support annually, reinforcing a culture where service extends beyond the base and into the community,” Mickey said.
InBuckeye.com | January/February 2026
January/February 2026 | InBuckeye.com
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